Charges upgraded for driver accused of fatal wrong-way Raleigh crash

Police on Tuesday upgraded the charges against a Wilmington man who is accused of causing a weekend crash that killed another man and critically injured his wife.

Posted 3:49 p.m. Apr 11, 2018 — Updated 6:08 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

RALEIGH, N.C. — Authorities on Tuesday upgraded the charges against a Wilmington man who is accused of causing a weekend crash that killed another man and critically injured his wife.

Jesus Alvarado-Velez, 28, was originally charged with driving while impaired, driving the wrong way, felony by serious injury by vehicle, open containers and driving without a license, according to the State Highway Patrol. He was charged on Tuesday with felony death by motor vehicles.

Alvarado-Velez was also being held on an ICE detainer after the crash.

Authorities said Leroy Owens, 47, and his wife Lakeatia Owens, 44, were going the right way on Knightdale Boulevard at Old Milburnie Road when Alvarado-Velez, driving on the wrong side of the road, slammed into them head-on.

Leroy Owens died, and, family members on Monday said, Lakeatia Owens underwent six surgical procedures but her condition was "pretty grave."

Authorities said Alvarado-Velez and a friend were on the way home from a bar around 2 a.m. when the crash occurred. According to police reports, he admitted to a witness that he had been drinking.

Alvarado-Velez was not injured in the crash, but his passenger was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

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