A 59-year-old bicyclist, Paul Joseph Rucker, was fatally struck by a vehicle on early Sunday morning in the University City Division of Charlotte. According to a press release by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department today, the incident, involving a Ford Focus, occurred on the 1600 block of E. W.T. Harris Boulevard. The driver, Kesha Latamria Jackson, 44, and passenger Akia Shadajah Clyburn, 26, were found unharmed at the scene.
MEDIC declared Rucker deceased on site after the emergency response teams arrived to find his damaged bicycle on the side of the road. The investigation, still to actively continue, preliminarily suggests that Rucker was riding westbound when he was hit from behind by Jackson's vehicle, who was also traveling in the same direction. "Neither speed nor impairment is indicated for Mrs. Jackson," stated the CMPD in a press release, as they work to thoroughly piece together the details of this tragic occurrence.
Charges brought against Jackson include Driving While License Revoked, Failure to Register, and No Liability Insurance. Results to determine whether impairment was a factor for Rucker are pending as toxicology reports have not yet been released. In light of this devastating event, Rucker's family has been notified of their loss. The major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force, and Motorcycle Unit of CMPD, alongside Crime Scene Search (CSS), are diligently working on processing the scene and gathering further evidence.
Authorities are urging anyone who might have witnessed the incident or has any information to reach out and assist in the investigation. Detective Pressley can be contacted directly at 704-432-2169 ext. 2 for direct leads. For those preferring to remain anonymous, information can be provided through Charlotte Crime Stoppers by calling 704-334-1600, using the P3 Tips Mobile App, or visiting their website. Further information regarding the case can be found by referencing report number 20250928-0222-00.
