22-year-old man killed in RTP pedestrian crash was hanging out of SUV window, filming stunt, warrant shows

A 22-year-old man hit and killed in a July crash was run over by his brother, a search warrant obtained by WRAL News shows.

2024-11-12

The warrant states that on the night of July 13, Oscar Avila Santos was hanging out of the window of Chevrolet Trailblazer, filming while it was moving, fell out and got run over by the same SUV while he was on the ground.

The warrant states that Santos’ brother, who is younger than 18, was driving the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Santos’ brother is charged with involuntary manslaughter through a juvenile petition, the Durham County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

"The deputies in our traffic safety unit and criminal investigation division have worked diligently to address the issue of prearranged racing and meetups like this," said Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead in a news release. "Activities at and after these events are not only illegal but as in this case dangerous for both participants and bystanders.

“Mr. Santos' death is a tragic example of what can happen at these gatherings."

Santos’ brother stayed at the scene until authorities responded, according to the warrant.

Authorities pronounced Santos dead after the July 13 incident at Duke University Hospital, the warrant states.

The warrant states that "it was apparent Mr. Santos was struck with a vehicle due to his injuries and tire marks that were left in loops and circles from the cars swinging."

Swinging is when a car or multiple cars are surrounded by a crowd of people continuously going around in circles with their vehicles, the warrant states.

Authorities received video from anonymous sources showing the Trailblazer leaning on its two left tires with its two right tires in the air.

"The vehicle is leaning on the two left tires before falling back down and settling back on all four tires," the warrant states. "The vehicle moves away out of view of the camera as the crowd sprints towards Mr. Santos' body lying on the ground. The video at that point ends."

The sheriff’s office said that activities like “swinging” are illegal and that meetups often happen where everyone in attendance is trespassing.

Racing is also against state law.

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone to report reckless activity by calling 919-560-0900.