BETHLEHEM, N.C. — The North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ALE) has charged two individuals following an investigation into a serious motor vehicle crash involving minors that occurred on September 7. ALE routinely conducts criminal investigations to identify the source of alcoholic beverages provided to underage individuals, particularly in cases that result in serious injury or fatalities.
In the early hours of September 8, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) notified ALE that alcohol was believed to be a contributing factor in a serious single-vehicle collision that occurred on Teague Town Road in Bethlehem.
According to the NCSHP, the vehicle carrying three people, two of which were juveniles, crossed the centerline of the road and collided with a ditch and a utility pole before overturning several times and ejecting the driver. Only one of the vehicle occupants was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The 18-year-old driver was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries, while the two juvenile occupants sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
During the investigation, ALE special agents took steps to determine how those involved in the crash obtained alcohol. Agents determined that on the day of the crash, 30-year-old Alexander Church, purchased and gave alcohol to the driver, 18-year-old Cheyanne Ruiz, in hopes of becoming romantically involved. Ruiz later consumed the alcohol and provided it to the two 17-year-old occupants.
Based on the investigative findings, special agents charged the following individuals:
Alexander Sebastian Church, 30, of Claremont
• Providing Alcohol to an Underage Person
• Aiding and Abetting the Unlawful Possession of Alcohol by an Underage Person
Cheyanne Alezaye Ruiz, 18, of Catawba
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – 2 counts
• Aiding and Abetting Underage Possession of Alcohol
• Underage Possession of Alcohol
Ruiz was also charged by the NCSHP with driving while impaired, underage driving after consuming and operating a motor vehicle with wanton disregard for safety along with several other charges.
This investigation remains ongoing and more charges are possible.