GASTONIA, N.C. — Gastonia Police said a dispute in a Publix parking lot led to a man being shot and officers chasing a suspect several miles on I-85 into Charlotte.
It happened on Labor Day Monday around 5:45 pm. at the Publix shopping center off Hoffman Road in Gastonia.
Following a multi-county pursuit, which ended along I-85 near the Freedom Drive exit, police charged Jeremy Phifer with two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
In court Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Megan Rhoden said the dispute started after Phifer cut off a car driven by Corneillius Crank. Rhoden said someone got out of Crank's car and confronted Phifer, who then pulled out a gun.
She said the person backed away and got back into Crank's vehicle.
"As the victim was driving off, the defendant shot three times in the victim's vehicle," Rhoden said. "One of those gunshots went through the back windshield, struck the driver of the vehicle in the back of the head. He's currently on life support."
Crank drove about a half-mile north before stopping at East Hudson Boulevard and Armstrong Park Road, where paramedics raced him to the hospital.
Gastonia Police said officers soon found Phifer and chased him on I-85 into Charlotte, where he ultimately crashed near Exit 34 for Freedom Drive.
CMPD said officers were notified by Gastonia Police a pursuit was entering Mecklenburg county.
Phifer had his first court appearance Tuesday afternoon.
"I was just trying to do my job at work. I was in the middle of a delivery," Phifer said. "I wasn't trying to hurt nobody. He threatened my life."
Phifer's older brother, who declined to give his name, was also in court for his brother's hearing.
"It was just a series of unfortunate events, man. I just hate my little brother got wrapped up in all this," he said. "All he was trying to do was just make some money so he can take care of his child."
Crank's mother wasn't comfortable talking on-camera Tuesday, but she said her son is a good, hard-working person who doesn't get into trouble.
Phifer remains in jail under a $1 million bond, and his next court date is scheduled for September 29.