15 Year Old Dies Hit and Run Driver an Illegal Immigrant Released

 Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente Photo Courtesy MCSO

On Monday, Nov. 24, at approximately 5:44 p.m., CMPD officers responded to a hit and run with personal injury call for service in the 3500 block of Driftwood Drive.

Upon arrival, officers located a damaged 2011 Dodge Caliber and a damaged electric bicycle and its injured operator, Amber Caralexa Paris, 15. MEDIC responded to the scene and transported Ms. Paris to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The unidentified driver fled the scene on foot.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, officers with the DWI Task Force and Crime Scene Search (CSS) responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

The preliminary investigation indicated that the Dodge was traveling north on Driftwood Drive approaching Winterfield Place. Both vehicles entered the four-way intersection when the front of the Dodge struck the bicycle, ejecting Ms. Paris.

Officers were able to identify the driver of the Dodge as Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente, 40. The suspect was arrested on Nov. 25.

Mr. Xocop-Vicente is charged with the following:

Felony Hit and Run

Reckless Driving

No Operators License

On Friday, Dec. 19, Ms. Paris succumbed to her injuries sustained in the crash and was pronounced deceased.

The Intersection of Driftwood and Winterfield Place

Mr. Xocop-Vicente was previously released on a $10,000 bail. He has not be re-arrested and at this time there is no outstanding arrest warrant. The Mecklenburg DA has already dismissed the driving without a license and is currently deciding if additional death by vehicle charges are appropriate.

From the CMPD Affidavit

On November 24, 2025, at 1752 hours, officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, arrived at the intersection of Winterfield Place and Driftwood Drive, regarding a hit and run with injury. Multiple 911 calls were entered regarding a subject who fled the scene of a vehicle collision. 

Officer arrived and located the juvenile victim (A.P.) with serious injuries, being treated by medical personnel on scene. An abandoned vehicle (the suspect vehicle) was located with heavy front center/windshield damage. 

The vehicle was silver 2011 Dodge Caliber, VIN: 1B3CB5HA4BD204413. Bystanders reported that the driver of the vehicle was Hispanic male, and upon striking the victim, immediately fled the scene on foot. 

Officers worked diligently, attempting to locate the driver. Video footage was provided by resident, which showed the listed vehicle, driven by the subject, at high-rate of speed northwest on Driftwood Drive, approaching the stop sign at Winterfield Place. The victim was operating an e-bike, northeast on Winterfield Place, approaching the stop sign at the intersection of Driftwood Drive. 

Both the victim and subject failed to stop for the duly erected stop signs and collided, with the vehicle front center colliding into the victim. 

The subject then exits the driver's seat and flees on foot. The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Located inside the vehicle was vehicle title, and leasing agreement for local apartment complex both with the address (3113 Girard Court, Apt 4). This address is in close proximity of the incident location. A cellphone was also located on the passenger floorboard, with the lock screen of small child. 

On the lease agreement, was the name Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente, who is known to officers for domestic violence case at the Girard Court location from 2022. Mr. Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente is Hispanic male and the same vehicle was observed at his residence this summer via Body-Worn Camera Footage from few months ago.

An attempt to locate was completed at 3113 Girard Court, Apt 4, to serve an order for arrest against Mr. Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente. 

Officers were allowed consent to enter and blood was located on the living room mattress and sofa. Mr. Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente was transported to the Eastway Division Office, where he was presented his Miranda Rights in Spanish, which he waived, agreeing to speak with I, (Officer C. Garcia P5508) certified Spanish-Speaking officer. At the conclusion of the interview, Mr. Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente admitted to operating the listed vehicle on the date and time of the offense and colliding with the victim. Mr. Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente advised he was afraid due to his immigration status and admitted torunning away from the scene.

The victim suffered two broken legs, severed artery causing internal bleeding, and serious injuries to various organs in her core. The victim was put into medically induced coma to assist with treating the injuries at this time.

Mr. Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente is being charged with felony hit and run, reckless driving to endanger, and operating motor vehicle without license.

Cedar's Take:

The massive and sudden increase of unregulated "E-Bikes" in the hands of unlicensed inexperienced operators will present this city with the deaths of many more children unless Charlotte City Council takes action and CMPD enforces existing laws.

Illegal immigrants with no insurance and no driver's licenses add to the tragedy. 

The DA's position on illegals with out driver's licenses is bizarre and is apparently founded on the misguided thinking that since they are not allowed to have a license it is not their fault.

Why was the perp not charged with no insurance, failure to stop at a stop sign? 

Knowing full well that he is a flight risk why was the perp not taken into custody on Friday.

I need to give credit to Meck County Magistrate who did file notice with ICE and MCSO who held the POS until the clock ran out on December 3, 2025 at 0315 hours. ICE took a pass since he is currently not subject to a deportation order. He will be now.