Elizabeth City, NC (August 30, 2026) - Local news reports and police statements confirmed that a 21-year-old pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle in Elizabeth City early Sunday morning.

Elizabeth City Police Department officers responded at approximately 2:20 a.m. to the 800 block of Halstead Boulevard after receiving reports of a person lying in the roadway. Officers found Jason Kyle Poe Jr., 21, of the 700 block of Walker Avenue in Elizabeth City. Police said he appeared to have been struck by a vehicle. Poe was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, the vehicle involved left the scene following the collision. Investigators began working to identify the vehicle and its driver. During the investigation, the person believed to have been driving returned to an area near the crash scene. Elizabeth City Police officers, assisted by the Elizabeth City State University Police Department, located and identified that individual.

Police arrested Sherman Pepino Banks Jr., 33, of the 900 block of Simpson Ditch Road in Elizabeth City. Banks was charged with driving while impaired, felony failure to report an accident, driving while license revoked, and felony death by motor vehicle. These charges represent allegations, and the legal process will determine their outcome.

Banks was taken to the Albemarle District Jail and held without bond. His next court appearance was scheduled for September 10 at 9:30 a.m. in Pasquotank County District Court.

The investigation remained active and ongoing. Police asked anyone with information to contact the Elizabeth City Police Department at 252-335-4321, the Crime Line at 252-335-5555, or the FUSUS Text a Tip line at 252-390-8477.

How Fatal Collision Investigations Shape Insurance And Legal Reviews

Incidents of this nature are commonly examined through police findings, physical evidence, witness accounts, vehicle records, and other available documentation. Investigators may review when and where the collision occurred, how the involved vehicle was identified, and whether any reported conduct contributed to the event. Insurance carriers may conduct separate reviews before making decisions about coverage or claims.

In a fatal car accident, gathering accurate information can help establish a reliable account of what occurred and identify the parties and policies involved. Families seeking to understand how documentation may affect a potential claim can review general information from an auto accident settlement attorney while considering their available options.

Criminal proceedings and civil claims are separate processes, even when they arise from the same collision. A criminal case addresses alleged violations of law, while a civil claim may examine financial losses, insurance coverage, and responsibility for the harm caused. The evidence developed during an investigation may become relevant to both processes, although each follows its own standards and deadlines.

What Families Should Review Before Making Decisions After A Collision

Families may face several decisions while police, insurers, and courts continue their work. Understanding applicable deadlines, available insurance policies, and the documents needed for a claim can make the process easier to follow. Records such as the collision report, insurance correspondence, employment information, and expense documentation may help explain the incident’s financial effects.

Realistic expectations are also important because investigations and claim evaluations can take time. The length of the process may depend on the evidence available, disputes over responsibility, court schedules, and the insurer’s review. Keeping records organized and tracking important dates can help families evaluate each decision as new information becomes available.

Reviewing What Comes Next After A Fatal Car Accident In Elizabeth City

As insurance reviews and legal proceedings move forward, a legal team may examine both the immediate and long-term consequences of a fatal car accident. This review can include available coverage, funeral expenses, lost financial support, investigative findings, and the effect of the loss on surviving family members. Rosensteel Fleishman law firm helps clients understand these issues and the steps involved in evaluating a potential claim. Attorney Matthew Fleishman explains, “We take clients through the process one step at a time, answer their questions, and make sure they understand what each decision may mean for their case.”