In Memory of Police Officer Mia Goodwin
On Wednesday, December 22, 2021, a tragic accident impacted the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department just three days before Christmas. One officer has died, and three other officers were seriously injured.
Police Officer Mia Goodwin died when a tractor-trailer struck her patrol car. Officer Goodwin blocked traffic on the interstate using her patrol vehicle to hold back traffic as a serious crash was cleared. It was just after 3:30 am.
Several officers were on the accident scene, which occurred on Southbound I-85 near the WT Harris Boulevard. While the officers were working the crash location, two tractor-trailers collided near the area, and both trucks plowed through the group of officers and their patrol vehicles. It was a tragic accident involving multiple individuals.
Officer Mia Goodwin died at the scene. Three CMPD officers were rushed to the nearest hospital to treat serious injuries. Goodwin had three young children and had just returned from maternity leave. Her children are 3, 1, and 4 months. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and residents join the Goodwin family mourning Officer Mia Goodwin’s death days before Christmas.
Goodwin was married to a local Charlotte firefighter. Both she and her husband worked tirelessly for the community. Goodwin’s most recent assignment was at the University City Division.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, North Carolina
Officer Goodwin was a proud member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. This police department includes all of Mecklenburg County as part of its jurisdiction, including Charlotte, North Carolina. The area covered by the agency’s jurisdiction covers 438 square miles. The department serves a population of about 900,000 residents.
Once separate police departments, the CMPD was initiated in 1993. Mecklenburg is one of the 100 counties in North Carolina that have county police departments. The county also has a sheriff’s department. When CMPD was formed, it was a merger of the Charlotte City Police Department and the Mecklenburg County Rural Police Department.
Remembrances
Police Officer Mia Goodwin leaves behind her husband and three very young children. This accident stunned the entire community. Residents, family, friends, and fellow first responders in the area will mourn alongside the Goodwin family. Full honors will be provided for her services. These honors are to commemorate the significance of her sacrifice to the community.
CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings held back emotion as he briefed the public about the loss of Officer Goodwin. “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of @CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin. Officer Goodwin proudly served the University City Division. I ask for your thoughts and prayers for the family of Officer Goodwin and the CMPD family. Rest easy, hero; we have the watch from here. The profession hurts. Our city hurts.”
Sharonne Hayes, a local reporter, also posted news of the terrible accident. “Very devastating outcome from I-85 crash early this morning. Condolences and prayers to Ofc. Goodwin’s family.”
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper shared condolences. “Our hearts are with family, friends & Charlotte Mecklenburg PD on the loss of Officer Mia Goodwin, who was killed on duty during a traffic collision. I’ve talked with Chief Jennings to offer support & sympathy. Grateful for officers who take risks every day to keep us safe.”
Gastonia Police Department shared prayers on social media for the family and the department. “The Gastonia Police Department mourns with law enforcement across N.C. & across the U.S. after learning of this morning’s line of duty death of neighboring police agency @CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin.”
