Michael Anthony Putnam : “Woman Fatally Struck in SW Charlotte; Driver Charged: CMPD”

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A tragic incident occurred in southwest Charlotte when a woman was fatally struck by a vehicle, leading to her untimely demise, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Michael Anthony Putnam, 35, has been charged with felony death by motor vehicle.

On Sunday, Feb. 11, shortly after midnight, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police received a distress call reporting a pedestrian-involved crash in the 3900 block of South Tryon Street.

Upon arrival at the scene, authorities discovered Cyndee Taylor Dutton, a 24-year-old woman, lying in the road with critical injuries. She was immediately transported to Atrium Health Main for medical intervention. Tragically, despite the efforts of medical professionals, Dutton succumbed to her injuries and passed away.

Initially, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were unable to locate the vehicle involved in the incident. However, shortly after, they received a call from the driver, Michael Anthony Putnam, who admitted to hitting Dutton and was found stopped on the side of I-77 near Clanton Road.

Upon further investigation, officers discovered a heavily damaged Chevrolet Equinox, which Putnam had been driving. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police determined that Putnam was impaired at the time of the accident and subsequently took him into custody for questioning. He has since been charged with felony death by motor vehicle and is currently being held at Mecklenburg County jail.

The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, as authorities work diligently to gather all the necessary information. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police urge any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation by contacting Detective Worthy at 704-432-2169, Ext. 4. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.