Moped Rider Killed in Rear-End Crash, Driver Charged

0:00On this March 6th in Durham, here's what is making headlines. A 52-year-old man named Michael Capers died in a crash Tuesday afternoon on Hammond Road in Raleigh. He was riding his moped home from work when a jeep rear ended him, throwing him off and running him over. The incident happened just before 3pm near Rustry. Police identified the jeep driver as 35-year-old Gabriella Ortiz. She faces charges including driving without a license. Failure to reduce speed and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. Court records show she got a citation two weeks earlier for driving without a license and running a red light. Friends who knew Capers from their days working together at a local bow jangles are heartbroken. They describe him as a hardworking guy, a cautious moped rider who always wore his helmet and vest. One friend had invited him to church many times, hoping he'd join someday. These pals returned to the crash site to leave flowers, still in shock over losing someone they saw as family.

1:01They say Capers was careful after years on the road, making his death even harder to accept. Meanwhile, the area has seen four crashes in the past six months, and police are still investigating. No funeral plans have been announced yet, leaving loved ones to grieve. Thanks to our sponsor for supporting today's coverage. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels. Built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I-S-O-L.