Vigil Planned as Families Identify Crash Victims After Rutherfordton Police Pursuit

Family members have identified the three people killed in a crash that followed a brief police pursuit on Friday, March 27, in Rutherfordton.

The Rutherfordton Police Department said the incident began around 5:15 p.m. on South Main Street when an officer attempted a traffic stop for violations. The driver fled, and the pursuit ended outside town limits when the vehicle crashed, killing three occupants.

According to relatives, the victims are Shiaderrick Barbee, also known as Duke Barbar, 36, who his mother said was driving; Marrick Patterson, 43; and Pam Cline, 30. Amber Jennings, 26, survived the crash and remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition. One was transported by helicopter.

Because the crash occurred outside the town’s jurisdiction, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. As of Tuesday, the agency has not released additional details and has not responded to requests for comment from WCAB News.

In a statement released Monday, Rutherfordton police said they are cooperating fully with the Highway Patrol while also conducting an internal review of policies related to the pursuit. Police Chief Clint Ingle said no conclusions have been reached regarding officer conduct, and the names of the officers involved have not been released.

Ingle said preliminary information indicates the fleeing vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run during the incident and later left the roadway, striking a tree. Investigators also reported that items were discarded from the vehicle during the pursuit, including substances believed to be fentanyl. 

Barbee's cousin said he didn't have a valid driver's license. Family members are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash. So far, Chief Ingle has not contacted the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to conduct one.

A candlelight vigil is planned for March 31 at 8 p.m. at the Coxe Road "crime site," Barbee's family said in a statement.

The investigation remains ongoing.