news-record.com

CHARLOTTE (MCT) — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer who authorities say was driving more than 90 mph in a wreck that killed a 20-year-old woman has been cited three times in recent years for speeding.

In two of the cases, court records show, officer Martray Proctor was stopped by police who accused him of traveling 86 mph in 60 mph zone and 63 mph in a 35 mph zone. The offenses, in Gaston and Cleveland counties, were reduced, but records show that court fees and a fine were paid.

On Tuesday, police continued to investigate the Sunday night crash that killed Shatona Evette Robinson of Davidson and injured her three passengers. Proctor was driving on Old Statesville Road in north Charlotte on his way to assist another officer on a routine traffic stop about 10:15 p.m. when his squad car collided with the 1991Ford Escort that Robinson was driving.

Police Chief Rodney Monroe said this week that Proctor's vehicle was traveling more than 90 mph with the siren off, and witnesses said it did not have its emergency blue lights on. N.C. law and department policy require officers to obey posted speed limits if their blue lights and sirens are not activated. The speed limit where the crash occurred is 45 mph.

CMPD, which is conducting the probe, released no new information about the wreck, but details about Proctor emerged.

A relative described Proctor, 24, as a devoted officer and Christian. Police also praised him as a hard worker who helped with gang-prevention.

In October 2005, court documents show, authorities in Gaston County stopped Proctor for driving 86 mph in a 60 mph zone. The charge was later reduced to 74 mph in a 60 mph zone. Proctor received a prayer for judgment.

The ruling in traffic cases typically means the driver admits to an infraction, but does not receive points on their driver's license. Proctor paid $110 in court costs, records show.

CMPD said it conducted a background check on Proctor in February 2007 and hired him the next month.

In June 2007, court records show authorities in Cleveland County stopped Proctor for driving 63 mph in 35 mph zone. Documents show authorities later reduced the charge to driving 44 mph in a 35 mph zone and a clerk waived the case. Records show that Proctor paid a $15 fine and $110 in court costs.

In the third case, Proctor paid a $10 penalty and $100 court costs for driving 30 mph in a 20 mph zone in 2003 in Cleveland County, records show.

Police officials said Proctor has not had any complaints lodged against him and has never been disciplined by his superiors since becoming an officer.

Police officials cited state law and declined to discuss Proctor's speeding citationsThe department looks into the driving histories of all prospective officers during background searches, but department policy does not require officers to report a speeding citation.

Proctor suffered a broken leg among other injuries in the crash. His uncle, Quavias McCluney of Greensboro, said Proctor has told family members of the sorrow he feels for Robinson's family.