GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A 21-year-old man has been charged with driving under the influence during a fatal crash, according to the Gastonia Police Department.
Around 9:45 p.m. on Monday, June 16, officers responded to the crash at the intersection of East Hudson Blvd. and Gaston Day School Road. Evidence shows a 2016 Dodge Charger, driven by 21-year-old Logan Taylor, was going south on Armstrong Park Road at a high rate of speed when he struck an eastbound Hyundai Elantra on the driver’s side.
Rashonda Greene, 45, was the driver of the Elantra and was tragically killed at the scene, officials said.
Taylor and his 18-year-old brother, who was in the passenger seat, were both treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
“This tragic incident is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can be lost when alcohol and reckless driving are involved,” Gastonia Police Chief Trent Conard said. “Drinking and driving is not just illegal – it’s deadly. We urge everyone to think before they get behind the wheel impaired. One poor decision can destroy lives.”
Taylor was charged with felony death by motor vehicle, DUI, failing to stop at a steady red signal, and reckless driving.
According to an 11-year veteran traffic investigator working the case, this was the second-worst and most violent crash he has seen on the job.