Fatal Motorcycle Crash in the South Division
Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, September 30, 2022) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the South Division.
On Thursday, September 29, 2022, at 6:28 p.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injury in the 10100-block of Ballantyne Commons Parkway. Members of the Charlotte Fire Department and Medic also responded to the scene. When officers arrived, they located a motorcycle with damage and the motorcyclist, Bradley Gaupp (DOB: 11/02/1999), with serious injuries. He was pronounced deceased on scene by Medic due to the injuries he sustained from this crash.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force, and Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to investigate. The initial investigation revealed that Bradley Gaupp was operating a 2012 BWM 1000RR motorcycle east on Ballantyne Commons Parkway and at a high rate of speed. At the same time a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder driven by, William Sapee, was making a left turn from John J Delaney Drive on to Ballantyne Commons Parkway going west. While he was making the turn, he slowed down at the median to let westbound traffic turn when he was struck in the front driver’s side of the vehicle by the motorcycle. This caused Mr. Gaupp to be ejected from the motorcycle causing fatal injuries. Mr. Gaupp was wearing a Department of Transportation-approved helmet at the time of the crash, but did not have a motorcycle endorsement for the state of North Carolina. Also, the motorcycle was unregistered.
Speed does not appear to be a factor for Mr. Sapee and he was screened for impairment and found to not be impaired. At this time, there are no charges for Mr. Sapee, but the investigation is ongoing.
Excessive speed does appear to be a contributing factor for the motorcycle, but it is unknown if impairment is a factor. Toxicology results are pending and will determine if impairment was a contributing factor to this crash. The family of Mr. Gaupp has been notified of his death.
The investigation into this crash is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office. Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about this case is asked to call Detective Buckley at 704-432-2169, extension 6. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20220929-1828-01.