CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — The North Carolina Highway Patrol announced a Catawba County deputy won’t face charges in a crash that killed a man last month.
Troopers responded to the crash around 1:15 a.m. on Feb. 13 at the intersection of McDonald Parkway at Spencer Road.
They said deputy Anthony Stobbe was traveling north on McDonald Parkway and 27-year-old Hernan Cortez was traveling west on Spencer Road. Their vehicles collided in the intersection, and Cortez died at the scene.
(Hernan Cortez)
Officials said Stobbe was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and released. The Sheriff's Office said Stobbe was on routine patrol when the accident happened.
Troopers said they determined Cortez was traveling 65 mph in a 45-mph zone, and Stobbe was traveling 62 mph in a 50-mph zone before the crash.
Investigators said test results for Cortez indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.18. They said test results for Stobbe revealed no alcohol or impairing substances.
Troopers said they determined Cortez’s alcohol use and speed contributed to the crash. They said Stobbe’s speed was also a contributing factor.
Investigators said the deputy’s vehicle was not equipped with dash or body camera.
Family members said, on the morning of the wreck, Cortez, who played in a band with his brothers, had been at a friend’s birthday party the night before.
“He was the best,” his brother, Richard Cortez, said. “My brother -- my little brother.”
After consulting with the Catawba County District Attorney’s Office, troopers said no charges will be filed.
“We are really thinking about the family and everyone involved in this horrible situation,” said Capt. Corina Fletcher, who is with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. "And any statements of investigative facts, we’re going to have to refer to the Highway Patrol.”
“We are thankful to the NCSHP for their thoroughness in the investigation of this tragic incident,” Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown said in a statement. “We continue to keep all affected in our thoughts during this hurtful time.”
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