The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating an incident that left one pedestrian dead following a vehicular collision on I-85.
According to reports, the sheriff’s office was notified of the incident at approximately 11:24 p.m. on Tuesday when Rowan County Communications received a 911 call about a vehicle-pedestrian collision on the interstate between exits 68 and 70 in China Grove.
Responding officers with the China Grove Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol located a deceased male at the scene. Based upon the circumstances of the death, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office was requested to assume the investigation.
Reports indicate that preliminary information suggests the collision occurred following a physical altercation between the victim and another individual who were traveling together and were stopped on the shoulder after running out of gas. During the altercation, the victim was struck by a passing vehicle, resulting in their death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no determination regarding criminal charges has been announced at this time. The victim’s information is also being withheld pending notification of family.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Lt. Ryan Barkley of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office at 704-216-8711.
