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16-year-old student hit by car in north Charlotte identified

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A West Charlotte High School student is in the hospital after she was hit by a car on the same road where another student was hit during the first week of school.
 
Police said 16-year-old D'Nea Watson was hit by a car 29-year-old Ronetta Nelson was driving when she was crossing the street just before 7 a.m. Friday on Beatties Ford Road near Russell Avenue less than a half a mile from an accident Monday.

IMAGES: Student hit by car in north Charlotte

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said Watson's principal escorted her to the Carolinas Medical Center. Police said she had broken bones and head trauma following the crash.

The crash happened about 60 feet away from a crosswalk close to Northwest School of the Arts.

Police believe the student crossed the street without using the crosswalk.

On Monday, West Charlotte High School student Jennifer Tejeda was hit by a car when she walked into traffic on Beatties Ford Road at Hildebrande.

Jeanne McClain's grandchildren saw the crash scene.  

"They saw the police cars and the glass on the ground so it kind of shook them up a bit," said McClain. "I had to explain to them you have to cross at the crosswalk. It's not worth your life to take a chance."

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department would not comment on the crash because it was still under investigation but said the stretch of road hasn't had pedestrian accidents in at least the past five years. They said it is one of the busiest streets in Charlotte and drivers need to pay attention.

"You need to slow down in those areas and use caution that someone may come out in the road," said Detective Kevin Allred, with CMPD's Major Crash Unit.

The hospital has not released Watson's condition yet.

As for the driver, charges depend on the outcome of the investigation. Nelson was not hurt.

Police are working on a community campaign to make students aware of crosswalks and drivers aware of students.

CMS issued the following statement after Friday's incident:

This week, the first week of a new school year, two Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students have been struck by automobiles off campus in separate incidents. These tragic events stress the importance of road safety for motorists and students. We ask that motorists take extra care when driving near school campuses. We encourage parents to speak with their children about looking both ways when crossing streets. Our thoughts are with both students and their families.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this developing story.

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