CHARLOTTE, N.C. (News Release) — Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal collision involving a vehicle and a bicycle in the University City Division.
On Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at approximately 2:22 a.m., University City Division officers responded to a vehicle crash with personal injury call for service on E. W.T. Harris Boulevard near Old Concord Road. MEDIC also responded to the scene.
When officers arrived on scene, they located a damaged bicycle on the side of the roadway with an unresponsive rider, Paul Joseph Rucker, 59, nearby. A Ford Focus, with driver Kesha Latamria Jackson, 44, and passenger Akia Shadajah Clyburn, 26, were located in the middle of the roadway with damage to the front end.
MEDIC pronounced Rucker deceased on scene. Jackson and Clyburn were not injured and refused MEDIC.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force and Motorcycle Unit responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. Members of Crime Scene Search (CSS) responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Rucker was riding his bicycle westbound in the middle of E. W.T. Harris Boulevard when he was struck from behind by a vehicle that was also traveling westbound.
Neither speed nor impairment is indicated for Jackson.
Jackson is charged with the following:
- Driving While License Revoked
- Failure to Register
- No Liability Insurance
It is unknown if impairment is a factor for Rucker. Toxicology results are pending.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective Pressley at 704-432-2169 ext. 2. The public can also leave information anonymously by calling Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, using the Charlotte Crime Stoppers P3 Tips Mobile App or by visiting the Charlotte Crime Stoppers website.
