Man Charged After Burlington Crash Injures Mother and Child
A Burlington man was charged after a vehicle struck a mother and her child on Interstate 40 near Maple Avenue on the morning of December 2, leaving both hospitalized with injuries that are believed to be non life threatening. The case highlights concerns about pedestrian safety on a route used by families walking to a nearby school, and officials are asking the public for tips.
Burlington police charged a 51 year old man after a pickup truck struck a mother and her juvenile child as they crossed the Interstate 40 westbound on ramp from Maple Avenue on the morning of December 2. Officers responding to reports of a crash involving pedestrians found that the suspected vehicle had left the scene before their arrival.
Officials said the two pedestrians were walking along Maple Avenue toward a nearby school when a white truck turned left from Maple Avenue and struck both. Investigators reported the truck had a green light when turning and that the driver initially stopped to check on the pedestrians before departing the scene. The mother and child were taken to hospital with injuries that are believed to be non life threatening.
Police identified the driver as Jose Lopez, age 51, and charged him with misdemeanor hit and run. The charge means the case will proceed through the local criminal court system and could result in court appearances and potential penalties under state law.
The location of the crash places it on a route used by students and parents, raising immediate questions about crossing safety at the intersection of Maple Avenue and the Interstate 40 westbound on ramp. City and county officials have previously faced public calls to evaluate crossings and signage near schools, and this incident is likely to renew attention to those issues among local residents and elected leaders.
Burlington Police Department investigators are seeking witnesses and additional information to complete their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Burlington Police Department at 336.229.3500 or Alamance County Wide Crime Stoppers at 336.229.7100. Community responses to the crash may shape local discussions about pedestrian infrastructure, school walking routes, and enforcement of traffic laws in neighborhoods where families travel on foot.
