Dodge Caliber struck rider in the 3500 block
November 24, 2025 | Charlotte, NC
A tragic hit-and-run incident claimed the life of 15-year-old Amber Caralexa Paris nearly a month after she was struck while riding an electric bike in Charlotte.
Amber Caralexa Paris, 15, died after being struck by a Dodge Caliber while riding an e-bike in the 3500 block of Driftwood Drive in Charlotte.
What Happened in the Crash?
On Nov. 24, around 5:45 p.m., Amber was traveling on her e-bike in the 3500 block of Driftwood Drive when a Dodge Caliber struck her. The driver fled on foot, leaving the scene.
Amber received immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries on a subsequent Friday. The following day, authorities apprehended 40-year-old Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente, charging him with felony hit-and-run, reckless driving, and driving without a license. Investigators continue collaborating with the District Attorney’s Office to pursue additional charges in light of her passing.
- Victim: Amber Caralexa Paris, 15
- Location: 3500 block of Driftwood Drive, Mecklenburg County
- Date and Time: Nov. 24, 2025, approximately 5:45 p.m.
- Vehicle Involved: Dodge Caliber
- Suspect: Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente, 40, arrested Nov. 25
- Charges: Felony hit-and-run, reckless driving, no operator’s license, and more pending
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from factors like impaired driving, fear of legal consequences, or lack of insurance. In North Carolina, such crashes pose significant risks to vulnerable road users like e-bike riders.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), hit-and-run crashes highlight ongoing safety challenges. Below is a summary of 2020 data:
Category |
Total Crashes |
Fatalities |
Injuries |
|---|
All Hit-and-Run Crashes |
11,731 |
62 |
5,607 |
Involving Alcohol/Drugs |
3,152 |
23 |
1,226 |
Source: NCDOT
Legal Insights
Newsline consulted national legal analysts for perspectives on hit-and-run cases.
“In cases such as this, separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Beyond law enforcement efforts, an attorney can re-interview witnesses, review surveillance footage, and secure phone records from the at-fault driver.”
- Attorneys assist in gathering evidence to build strong cases.
- They guide families compassionately while holding negligent drivers accountable.
- Civil claims can cover medical costs, lost companionship, and emotional distress.
“When pursuing a wrongful death claim, hiring an attorney is essential to negotiate effectively with insurers,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Insurers may push for low settlements, but skilled representation ensures fair compensation and respect for the family.”
Families in similar situations might explore wrongful death claims for funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses, pending investigation outcomes.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).