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CMPD arrests suspect after man killed in hit-and-run crash

By Kristin Leigh
By Kristin Leigh

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police said they arrested the driver who collided with a pedestrian Sunday evening in north Charlotte and left him to die.

Detectives said the pedestrian, Matthew Midkiff, was hit by a vehicle around 9:15 p.m. on North Graham Street, just north of Toal Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said Norris Nathaniel Richardson, 58, was driving the Ford Ranger when he hit Midkiff and didn’t stop.

Police said Midkiff was standing in the right lane when he was hit by the vehicle.

[NC man dies after being hit by police cruiser during officer's first patrol alone]

Graham Street was closed between Craighead and Johnson roads for hours while officers investigated the scene.

Officials said Richardson voluntarily came to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with detectives Monday.

After the interview, he was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run.

Police said they also recovered Richardson’s 1999 green Ford Ranger at his home. It has been seized as evidence.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation said it is responding to more deadly pedestrian accidents.

“So far, we’ve had 19 pedestrians have died in Charlotte streets as a result of crashes with motor vehicles,” Jesse Wood, with CMPD, said.

That’s a 35 percent increase compared to fatal pedestrian accidents last year.

Police want drivers and pedestrians to be more aware.

“About traffic safety, about being aware of your surroundings, not being distracted by mobile devices or anything else - things in your ears that can affect your hearing,” Wood said.

Police said speed was a factor in the hit-and-run on North Graham Street but did not say how fast the driver was traveling.

The crash remains under investigation.  Police are asking anyone who witnessed the accident or has information to call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600 or Detective Reibold at 704-432-2169.

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