Repeat offender with 20+ prior charges allegedly kills 23-year-old in hit-and-run, then walks away
Share this @internewscast.com

A tragic incident in Charlotte has left a 23-year-old woman dead after a hit-and-run crash, allegedly involving a repeat offender, according to local police.

Thomas Haynes, aged 46, was taken into custody on Monday. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury or death, and several misdemeanors related to leaving the scene and reckless driving.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported that deputies responded to a scene involving an abandoned Honda Odyssey and a Kia Soul at an intersection in east Charlotte on Thursday, March 12.

Haynes, who was driving the Honda, is accused of walking away from the crash site without rendering aid or reporting the incident.

Thomas Haynes

The victim, identified as 23-year-old Sophie Klippel, tragically lost her life in the incident, as stated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

In addition, authorities confirmed that Lena Klippel, aged 21, and Kelly Klippel, aged 62, who were in the Kia, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

A second passenger, Sophie Klippel, 23, was pronounced deceased on the scene.

A skyline photo of Charlotte, North Carolina

Thomas Haynes was charged in a deadly crash in Charlotte. (iStock)

Police said that a preliminary investigation found that Haynes ran a stop sign and collided with the Kia Soul.

Sophie Klippel was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said that “speed appears to be a factor” in the crash.

Thomas Haynes

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg man with a history of repeat theft and weapons offenses is now facing a new set of felony charges, including a hit-and-run involving serious injury or death, according to jail records. (Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department)

Before the crash, Haynes had a slew of other arrests from 2024 through 2025, according to records reviewed by Fox News Digital.

Earlier charges in February 2026 included possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, felony possession of cocaine, and obtaining property by false pretenses.

A January 2026 arrest shows more than 20 charges largely tied to organized theft activity, including multiple counts of felony larceny, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, and fleeing to elude arrest.

His record also includes a 2024 charge of assault on a female.

<!–>

–>

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Iran executes people, including teens, by hanging

Iran Carries Out Controversial Hangings, Including Teenagers

The Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news outlet reported on Sunday that the Islamic…
Pastors, community leaders call for West Suburban hospital in Oak Park, Illinois to reopen under new leadership

Community Leaders and Pastors Advocate for Reopening of Oak Park’s West Suburban Hospital with New Leadership

Sylvia Williams from West Suburban Medical Center announced that the nursing staff…
NYC man fatally struck by out-of-control SUV driver while waiting for the bus

Tragic Incident: NYC Pedestrian Killed by Uncontrolled SUV While Waiting at Bus Stop

In a tragic incident early Monday morning, a man was fatally struck…
3 gunmen open fire outside Israeli consulate in Istanbul, dubbed 'terrorists' by Turkish official

Gunmen Attack Near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Officials Label as ‘Terrorist Act

A confrontation with police occurred outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, Turkey,…
Los Angeles, California shooting: Bomb squad called after traffic stop in Sun Valley, police fatally shoot dog

Bomb Squad Responds Following Traffic Stop in Sun Valley; Police Involved Shooting Results in Dog’s Death

In Los Angeles, a routine traffic stop escalated into a tense situation…
Son of Hollywood director accused of years of sexual, racial abuse of water polo teammate at ritzy prep school

Hollywood Director’s Son Faces Allegations of Prolonged Sexual and Racial Abuse at Elite Prep School

An elite private school in Los Angeles is at the center of…
Wisconsin election tomorrow: Voters to choose new Wisconsin Supreme Court justice on 2026 Election Day

Critical Decision Looms: Wisconsin Voters to Elect New Supreme Court Justice in 2026 Election

WASHINGTON — Wisconsin residents are gearing up to cast their votes in…
DSA-backed city attorney challenger Marissa Roy pushes two-day-a-month office rule

City Attorney Candidate Marissa Roy Advocates for Flexible Two-Day Office Policy

In a surprising move, a candidate for the position of Los Angeles…
Bald-headed killer smiles as prosecutors reveal what she did before dad walked in

Chilling Details Emerge: Bald-Headed Killer’s Sinister Actions Revealed Before Father Interrupts

A woman from Washington state, who occasionally smiled during court proceedings, has…
ICE arrests illegal immigrant accused of kidnapping 4-year-old girl from laundromat

ICE Detains Suspect in Abduction Case of 4-Year-Old Girl from Laundromat

In a shocking turn of events, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)…
Airstrikes come within 82 yards of Iran's nuclear power plant: UN watchdog

Near Miss: Airstrikes Threaten Iran’s Nuclear Power Plant, UN Watchdog Reports

Allied forces have launched airstrikes targeting areas surrounding Iran’s sole operational nuclear…
Village of Dolton protest today: Dolton Fire Department firefighters speak out about safety issues, Quention Curtis' eligibility

Dolton Firefighters Rally for Safety Concerns and Question Quention Curtis’ Eligibility

Firefighters in Dolton, Illinois, took to the streets on Monday to voice…