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Chapel Hill, NC (February 25, 2026) - Local news sources and statements from the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division confirmed that four employees of a downtown Chapel Hill bar have been charged following an investigation into a fatal crash that occurred on NC-87 in Harnett County.
According to officials, the investigation began on February 14 after the North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that alcohol was believed to be a contributing factor in a head-on collision along NC-87 near Olivia Road and Sandstone Lane. The crash occurred around 3:30 to 3:46 a.m. when a southbound 2022 Toyota Camry crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2015 Chevrolet Z-71 pickup truck.
Authorities identified the occupants of the Toyota as Spc. Romeo Mason Fleck, 22, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who was driving; Spc. Charles Arthur Jackson, 21, of Efland; and Pfc. Aydrian Larusch. Fleck and Jackson were killed in the crash. Larusch sustained serious injuries and remained hospitalized as of February 25. The driver of the Chevrolet, 28-year-old William Tyler Underwood of Sanford, also died at the scene. All three men who died were pronounced deceased as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.
ALE agents reported that they traced the source of alcohol consumed by the Camry’s occupants to Still Life, located at 159 East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. Investigators determined that Fleck, Jackson, and Larusch were served alcoholic beverages at the establishment prior to the crash, including Larusch, who was under the legal drinking age.
As a result of the investigation, criminal summonses were issued on February 25 to four employees of the bar. Sharif Abuhatoum, 47, of Greenville, who holds the ABC permit for the establishment, was charged with failure to superintend an ABC-licensed establishment. Cameron Michael Renna, 35, of Morrisville, was charged with two counts of selling a mixed beverage to a person under 21 and one count of furnishing alcoholic beverages in violation of North Carolina statutes. Anthony Tamron Wise III, 24, of Fort Bragg, was charged with two counts of aiding and abetting the purchase of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21. Bonnie Zhang, 21, of Asheville, was charged with two counts of selling a mixed beverage to a person under 21.
Court records indicate that Wise is accused of providing wristbands to Larusch and another underage patron to indicate they were at least 21. All charges filed against the employees are classified as misdemeanors.
Officials also noted that Still Life had previously been investigated in 2024 in connection with another fatal crash involving alleged underage alcohol service. Following the current investigation, ALE stated that its findings will be forwarded to the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. The Commission will determine whether administrative action is warranted, which may include fines, suspension, or revocation of the establishment’s ABC permits.
Further details regarding the collision itself, including roadway conditions and investigative findings from the Highway Patrol, were previously outlined in coverage of the fatal head-on crash near Sanford on NC-87.
How Vehicle Accidents Are Reviewed in North Carolina
Serious roadway collisions often lead to multiple layers of review beyond the initial crash investigation. In situations where alcohol service is believed to have played a role, agencies may conduct parallel inquiries that examine both the circumstances of the crash and the actions of businesses or individuals beforehand.
Law enforcement agencies typically gather physical evidence from the scene, review witness statements, and analyze vehicle data as part of the crash investigation. At the same time, regulatory divisions such as Alcohol Law Enforcement may review sales records, employee conduct, and compliance with state alcohol laws. Findings from these reviews can influence both criminal charges and administrative decisions, including whether a business’s permits remain in effect.
Understanding Administrative Responsibilities Following a Crash Investigation
When a fatal collision occurs, official documentation becomes central to both transparency and accountability. Agencies generate detailed reports that outline timelines, involved parties, investigative findings, and any resulting charges. These records often serve as the foundation for further administrative or legal review.
Several practical matters typically require attention in the days and weeks after a crash:
- Compilation and verification of investigative reports by law enforcement agencies
- Review of alcohol sales records and compliance documentation
- Submission of findings to state regulatory commissions
- Coordination between criminal courts and administrative boards
- Processing of public records requests related to the incident
Maintaining organized records allows agencies to track case status, ensure procedural deadlines are met, and provide accurate information to the public when appropriate. Public records laws in North Carolina also allow certain documents to be requested, supporting transparency while protecting sensitive information during active investigations.
For communities such as Chapel Hill, where downtown establishments and regional highways intersect with a large student and military population, these administrative reviews can carry added local impact. Resources discussing accident-related processes in the Chapel Hill area often outline how regulatory, investigative, and reporting procedures unfold after serious roadway incidents across the state.
How Agencies Coordinate Behind the Scenes After a Serious Crash
Behind the public announcements, multiple agencies frequently work together to prevent duplication of effort and ensure that findings are consistent. State Highway Patrol officers, Alcohol Law Enforcement agents, and regulatory commissions each have distinct responsibilities. Information sharing allows one agency’s findings, such as toxicology results or sales documentation, to inform another agency’s review without requiring separate parallel investigations of the same facts.
This coordination helps streamline case processing while preserving the independence of each agency’s role. Criminal charges, administrative permit reviews, and regulatory compliance assessments may proceed on separate tracks, but they often rely on overlapping factual foundations developed during the initial investigation.
Tracking Case Status and Maintaining Public Records Transparency
Once charges are filed or reports are submitted to oversight bodies, agencies continue to monitor the progress of each matter. Court systems track criminal summonses and hearing dates, while administrative commissions review investigative summaries before determining whether disciplinary measures are appropriate.
Accurate record keeping supports public transparency by documenting when reports are filed, how decisions are made, and what actions are ultimately taken. While certain information may remain restricted during ongoing proceedings, structured documentation allows agencies to provide verified updates and maintain accountability throughout the review process.
Finding Steady Legal Direction After a Fatal Car Accident
When events like this unfold, individuals and families are often left facing complex questions about responsibility, insurance, and next steps. In the aftermath of a serious Car Accident, having a clear understanding of how claims are organized and evaluated can help reduce uncertainty during an already difficult time.
At Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, we focus on guiding people through the structured process that typically follows a major collision. “Understanding your rights early can make a meaningful difference in how a case develops,” says attorney Corey Rosensteel. “Taking the time to learn what information matters and how the process works helps families make informed decisions instead of reacting under pressure.”
Car accident claims often move through defined stages, including investigation review, insurance evaluation, and documentation of damages. For those seeking a clearer picture of what to expect, it can help to learn how accident claims generally progress and what factors may influence their direction. Taking a measured approach allows individuals to better understand their options while focusing on recovery and stability after a serious loss.
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