Charlotte, NC : Pedestrian struck and killed by a vehicle in Charlotte's South End Sunday evening on January 17, 2016

A driver is facing DWI charges after fatally hitting a woman in Charlotte's South End Sunday evening, according to police.

Investigators say Gregory Alan Wheeling, 30, was driving an Audi on South Boulevard near Remount Road around 5 p.m. when 28-year-old Kelli Sue Putnam, who was walking along the sidewalk, stepped in front of the car and was hit.

Medic pronounced Putnam dead on scene.

Jessica Ingalls, who said she and Putnam became best friends as teenagers in New York, came to mourn at the site where Putnam died. Ingalls said Putnam was “witty, fun, loyal and real.” She said they had an incredible connection as best friends and always had each other’s back.

Ingalls said she wants to see the accused driver get justice. WBTV has learned that Sunday night was not Wheeling’s first DWI arrest. CMPD confirms he was arrested for DWI in 2009, but because court offices are closed for the holiday, the specifics of the charge are unknown.

Wheeling is charged with DWI and aggravated felony death by vehicle. Police say four passengers were in the car with Wheeling. Wheeling and the passengers were not injured.

Speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.

Wheeling is expected to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.

Source :

Man charged with DWI after woman hit, killed in South End