Man arrested after fatal hit-and-run, second crash in south Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — A 22-year-old driver faces multiple felony charges after a fatal hit-and-run collision Wednesday night on East Woodlawn Road in south Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department stated.

Jared Isai Rodriguez was arrested after allegedly striking a pedestrian and fleeing the scene before being involved in a second crash nearby.

Officers responded to the initial hit-and-run call at approximately 8:37 p.m. Upon arrival, emergency responders located 34-year-old Kyle Alan Kubiak, who was pronounced deceased at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash.

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According to police, Rodriguez was driving a black Honda eastbound on East Woodlawn Road near Nations Crossing Drive when he struck Kubiak as he was attempting to cross the roadway.

Rodriguez failed to stop and continued east on East Woodlawn Road before running a red light at Old Pineville Road, where his vehicle was struck by a white Toyota Corolla.

An officer witnessed the second collision and identified Rodriguez as the driver. Officers screened Rodriguez for impairment and determined he was impaired. He was subsequently transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Rodriguez has been charged with felony death by vehicle, felony hit and run, and reckless driving.

Court documents conflict. One says his birth country is the U.S. Another says police could not determine his immigration status. He’s being held on a $1.5 million bond.

‘We are hurt’

Family members told Channel 9 that Kubiak was not originally supposed to be in the city at the time of the collision. He has allegedly traveled to Charlotte for business and was scheduled to fly home Wednesday afternoon.

After his flight was canceled at the gate, it was rescheduled for Thursday morning. Kubiak’s family believes he left his hotel to get a snack when he was struck.

Kubiak’s sister issued a statement on behalf of the family honoring his life.

“We want justice for him. We are hurt. He was loved by many and worked so hard to become the man he was today. Kyle was funny, outgoing, and loved golfing and spending time with his close friends. He loved his close ones deeply and always thought of everyone else before himself. My brother will be deeply missed,” she expressed.