Niceforo Garcia-Rufino, 43, Killed in Charlotte Hit-and-Run Crash; 47-Year-Old Man Arrested

A 43-year-old pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle whose driver allegedly fled the scene of a collision in southwest Charlotte, North Carolina, on Tuesday night, November 10, 2026.

The victim was identified as Niceforo Garcia-Rufino, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

Police said Garcia-Rufino was crossing E. Arrowood Road near Nations Ford Road when he was hit by an eastbound red Mercedes-Benz. Investigators reported that the vehicle was travelling above the posted speed limit before striking the pedestrian.

Following the collision, the driver allegedly continued east toward South Boulevard without stopping to assist or remain at the scene.

Medic personnel responded and pronounced Garcia-Rufino dead at the location.

Driver Allegedly Fled After Fatal Collision

During their investigation, officers located the red Mercedes-Benz abandoned. Authorities said the driver had left the vehicle and escaped on foot.

On Thursday, November 12, police arrested a 47-year-old man in connection with the fatal collision.

The man was subsequently booked into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. He faces charges of felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury or death and misdemeanor reckless driving to endanger.

The suspect’s name has not been provided in the information available for this report. The charges are allegations, and the case remains subject to the legal process.

Investigation Into the Fatal Charlotte Pedestrian Accident

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Garcia-Rufino’s death.

Investigators are examining the events leading up to the collision, including the vehicle’s speed, the driver’s actions and the circumstances surrounding the decision to leave the scene.

Evidence that may help establish what happened includes vehicle damage, roadway conditions, witness accounts, surveillance footage and accident reconstruction findings.

Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a National Legal Analyst for Accident Injury News, has highlighted the importance of thoroughly examining physical evidence and surrounding circumstances after serious roadway incidents.

Her legal perspective emphasizes the need to consider visibility, lighting, road conditions and witness information when investigating pedestrian collisions.

No further findings from the ongoing investigation were included in the available report.

Personal Details of Niceforo Garcia-Rufino

Cause of Death

Niceforo Garcia-Rufino died after being struck by a red Mercedes-Benz while crossing E. Arrowood Road near Nations Ford Road in southwest Charlotte.

Police said the vehicle was travelling eastbound and that its driver allegedly left the scene without stopping. Medic personnel pronounced Garcia-Rufino dead at the location.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

A 47-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, November 12, in connection with the fatal crash. He was booked into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center on charges of felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury or death and misdemeanor reckless driving to endanger.

The investigation remains ongoing. The suspect’s identity and further details about the court proceedings were not provided in the available information.

Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

Details regarding Niceforo Garcia-Rufino’s funeral, burial and memorial services have not been publicly provided.

Further details of the obituary, memorial and funeral arrangements will be announced by the family when available.

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