Suspected DWI driver charged in Fayetteville crash that killed 10-year-old girl
A judge on Monday raised the bond for a Fayetteville man who has been charged in connection with a Friday night crash in which a 10-year-old girl was killed during a three-vehicle collision, police said.
Posted — UpdatedChristopher James Bell, 34, of Fayetteville, has been charged with felony death by motor vehicle, driving while intoxicated and a red light violation in connection with the crash that occurred about 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of Ramsey Street and Country Club Drive, police said in a written statement.
Bell was being held Saturday at the Cumberland County Jail in lieu of a $30,000 bond, authorities said. During his first appearance in court, the presiding judge increased Bell's bond to $300,000.
Police said Bell was the driver of a southbound Chevy Tahoe traveling on Ramsey Street when it collided with a white Kia Optima that was turning onto Country Club Drive. The Kia overturned during the crash, and there was a large debris field at the scene.
Police Lt. Gary Womble told WRAL News Saturday that it appears the driver of the SUV was impaired when the accident occurred.
Womble said the girl was a backseat passenger in the car during the crash. The girl died at the scene.
Police identified the driver of the Kia as the child's mother Laverne Raeshawn Baxter, 32, of Fayetteville.
Joshua Battee, 18, of Fayetteville, was identified as the driver of a Toyota Camry that was behind the Kia when the accident occurred. The Camry was also struck during the incident, but Battee was not injured, police said.
It was not immediately clear if anyone else was hurt during the crash.
Anyone with information regarding the crash was asked to contact officers with the Fayetteville Police Department’s Traffic Unit at 910-433-1807.
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