Truck driver in crash that killed police officer had no CDL, semi on the road illegally

CHARLOTTE, Mecklenburg County — Court documents show that a truck driver accused in the crash that killed a North Carolina police officer should have never been behind the wheel of the 18-wheeler in the first place.

Daniel Leon Morgan, 50, was charged for his involvement in the deadly crash that happened during the early morning hours on Dec. 22 on Interstate 85 in north Charlotte.

Related: NC police officer hit by semi, killed in incident on I-85

Authorities said on December 22, Daniel Morgan, 50, was speeding down Interstate 85 in his tractor-trailer when he hit another semi-truck. That collision struck four Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department vehicles; officers were there investigating an earlier crash.

Officer Mia Goodwin, who recently returned to work following maternity leave, died at the scene and three other officers were hurt.

New court filings allege that Morgan tried to walk away from the scene, and detectives said he also removed a tracking device from the dashboard to hinder the investigation.

The documents also show that Morgan’s tractor-trailer wasn’t supposed to be on the road and investigators accused him of placing a fake tag on it.

Related: Truck driver charged in crash that killed police officer, mother of 3, & injured 3 others

ABC affiliate WSOC is reporting that a records check shows that Morgan does not have a commercial driver’s license.

Police charged Morgan with involuntary manslaughter, misdemeanor death by vehicle, failure to reduce speed, and felony failure to move over for stopped emergency vehicles. He has since been released from jail on bond.

Related: NC Police officer killed in interstate crash to be laid to rest Wednesday

Goodwin’s funeral will be held Wednesday at First Baptist Church on South Davidson Street in Charlotte, with visitation starting at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral at noon. The services are open to the public.