FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2025
Arrest Made in Fatal Crash
GASTONIA, N.C. — The Gastonia Police Department Traffic Division made an arrest this morning in the deadly multi-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday evening, November 9, at approximately 7:05 p.m. on Gaston Day Road just north of Duke Street.
According to investigators, a black Cadillac sedan driven by 19-year-old Lincoln Chase Wilson (DOB 04/03/2006) was traveling southbound at a high rate of speed when Wilson lost control of the vehicle. The Cadillac crossed the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle head-on. The oncoming vehicle was operating as an Uber at the time of the crash.
The Uber driver, 53-year-old Janice Lopez of South Carolina, died at the scene. A female passenger riding in the back seat was critically injured and has since been released from the hospital. The impact set off a chain reaction involving two additional vehicles traveling behind the Uber. Both of those drivers were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
Wilson has been charged with the following offenses:
- Second Degree Murder (without regard for human life)
- Felony Serious Injury by Vehicle
- Felony Death by Motor Vehicle
- Driving While Impaired
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving to Endanger
- Failure to Maintain Lane Control
- Driving Left of Center
- Failure to Wear a Seat Belt (Driver)
The Gastonia Police Department continues to investigate this tragic incident. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact detectives at 704-866-6702 or Crime Stoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000.
Media Contact:
Bill McGinty
Public Information/Media Relations
Gastonia Police Department
Cell: 704-419-0266