David Wesley, left, consoles Bobby Phills' widow, Kendall, at Friday's memorial service.

Jon Parks, a spokesman for the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, told The Charlotte Observer that Wesley's license was suspended indefinitely in August after he failed to comply with terms of a citation he received several months earlier in Alabama.

Parks said records do not specify the nature of the citation in Alabama. It occurred exactly one year before the three-car collision Wednesday that killed Phills and injured two others.

"It can be as simple as a speeding ticket, running a red light or something as serious as a DWI," Parks said. "Whatever it was, he did not take care of it."

Parks said DMV was informed of the Alabama violation in June, two months before the suspension took effect. He said DMV sends letters to motorists whose licenses are suspended.

Wesley, 29, was unavailable for comment.

To reinstate his license, Parks said, Wesley would have to pay the fine imposed by Alabama and a $25 North Carolina restoration fee.

Police said both Wesley and Phills were speeding Wednesday just before the wreck on West Tyvola Road. No charges have been filed and police said it would be at least a week before they complete an investigation.

Wesley was twice charged with speeding in Mecklenburg County, according to court records. In October 1997, he was charged with driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone on West Tyvola. He paid $80 in court costs for driving 50 mph in a 45-mph zone, according to court records.

In December 1998, Wesley was accused of driving 79 mph in a 65-mph zone on Interstate 485. He paid $80 in court costs, court records show.

Wesley completed the National Safety Council's defensive driving course six days after being charged.