Charlotte Driver Faces Multiple Charges After Crash Injures Two CMPD Officers

Charlotte, North Carolina — July 23, 2025 — According to WCNC,  a Charlotte man is facing a series of charges after reportedly striking two Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers while driving under the influence.

The incident occurred on East Independence Boulevard near the Briar Creek Road exit, shutting down a lane of the high-traffic corridor and causing significant delays for evening commuters. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, emergency crews worked the scene for hours before the roadway was fully reopened.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police identified the injured officers as Officer L. Poplin and Officer S. Biondo. Both sustained head injuries along with trauma to their lower extremities as a result of the crash. A third officer responding to the scene was also hurt and later evaluated at a hospital.

The driver, 36-year-old Thomas Royster, was taken to the hospital following the crash and released the following day. CMPD confirmed that Royster has a prior conviction for driving while impaired and was operating a vehicle with a revoked license at the time of the collision.

Upon his release, Royster was formally charged with two felony counts of inflicting serious injury by vehicle and driving with a revoked license for a prior DWI offense.

In addition to the felony charges, he received several citations, including:

• Possession of an open alcohol container.
• Reckless driving.
• Unsafe movement.
• Violating high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane restrictions.
• Failing to wear a seatbelt.
• Driving left of center.

Authorities have not released additional information regarding the conditions of the injured officers, but confirmed that none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.

An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.

Statement from Martha Ramsay, Workers’ Compensation Attorney,

Ramsay Law Firm, Charlotte, NC

“As a workers’ compensation attorney, I often see how public servants like law enforcement officers are put in harm’s way—only to face a difficult road to recovery afterward. The recent crash involving Officers Poplin and Biondo is a stark reminder that even while protecting others, first responders are not protected from the dangers of the job.

When you’re injured in the line of duty, you’re entitled to more than just a thank-you. You deserve quality medical care, wage replacement, and—when someone else’s reckless actions caused your injury—justice through every available legal channel. In cases like this one, where a third party may be liable, it’s critical to have someone in your corner who understands both workers’ compensation and personal injury law.

Navigating these systems alone can lead to delayed benefits, denied treatments, or missed compensation. That’s why it’s essential to consult an experienced attorney early—so your rights are protected, and your future is not left to chance.

At Ramsay Law Firm, we are proud to be a #voicefortheinjured. If you or someone you love has been hurt on the job, don’t wait—reach out to us to help you get the benefits and justice you deserve.”

The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.

A Voice For The Injured. Here, Every Step of The Way. Call 704-376-1616 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please get in touch with the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.