Fatal Crash Investigation in the University City Division
Published on September 30, 2025
Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025) – 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 near the 1600 block of E. W.T. Harris Boulevard. 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 Mr. Rucker deceased on scene. Mrs. Jackson and Ms. 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 Mr. 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 Mrs. 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 Mr. Rucker. Toxicology results are pending.
Mr. Rucker’s family has been notified of his death.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Division. 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. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20250928-0222-00.
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