Charlotte Police Withhold Investigation Results into 2024 LaMelo Ball Traffic Incident

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has completed its probe into a 2024 crash involving LaMelo Ball but refuses to disclose the final report.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 6:18 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Charlotte Observer.

Conclusion of the Internal Traffic Probe

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has officially closed its inquiry into a traffic related incident involving LaMelo Ball, the star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets. The investigation was launched following an encounter on May 21, 2024, as Ball was departing from a Hive Society fan event at the Spectrum Center. Witnesses at the scene reported a chaotic environment where fans gathered near the arena's exit to catch a glimpse of the players leaving in their personal vehicles.

While CMPD confirmed that the investigative process has reached its end, they have notably declined to share the results of their findings with the public. In a statement, a department spokesperson indicated that the details of the investigation are shielded from public disclosure. This lack of transparency has sparked questions regarding the standard operating procedures for traffic incidents involving high profile public figures in the Charlotte area.

Details of the Alleged Reckless Driving Incident

The controversy stems from allegations made by a fan who claimed that Ball drove his purple SUV in a reckless manner while navigating through a crowd of spectators. According to the initial reports, the individual alleged that the vehicle struck them or came dangerously close to doing so as the player accelerated away from the arena. Video footage from the night appeared to show the vehicle moving quickly through a narrow path cleared by security, though the footage was inconclusive regarding any physical contact.

Following the event, the fan sought legal counsel and eventually filed a lawsuit against both Ball and the Charlotte Hornets organization. The civil complaint alleges negligence and a failure to provide adequate security to manage the crowd during the player's exit. The CMPD investigation was separate from this civil litigation, intended to determine if any criminal traffic violations or city ordinances had been breached by the professional athlete.