Homicide Investigation, Spindale NC
Over the past seven days the Spindale Police Department has been investigating the homicide of Jeffrey Lee James, a security employee of Mingle City Sports Bar & Grill. Mr. James was the victim of a senseless and violent altercation which began inside the establishment and ultimately escalated into gunfire in the parking lot.
Over the course of our investigation we uncovered just how important a role Mr. James played in the incident. As the altercation inside the club became physical, Mr. James along with other security personnel began to take control of the situation. A short time later those involved had been removed and taken outside. At that point, a young man involved in the fight went to a vehicle, retrieved a handgun from the trunk and began walking back towards the building.
Mr. James, who was still outside the front door, saw his assailant approaching. Without regard for his safety, he began moving patrons back into the bar through the front door out of harm’s way. He did not allow others to exit the building into the line of fire. The assailant, Dedrick Shamar Washington, 19, of Shelby NC began firing ultimately expending at least eight rounds towards Mr. James and the establishment. Mr. James was struck once in the neck fatally wounding him. Without the heroic actions of Jeffrey Lee James, it is my firm belief that many more individuals would have been injured or killed.
The Spindale Police Department would like to thank the NC State Bureau of Investigation, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Forest City Police Department and Shelby Police Department for their tireless efforts in bringing this case to a successful conclusion. We would also like to thank the individuals who came forward with information and assistance. Without all those involved, this investigation certainly would have been much more difficult.
Finally, we express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jeffrey Lee James. I had the pleasure to know Jeff for quite a few years. He was truly a fine man. He was a true servant; to our Country through his military service, to his community through his work with our youth and to his fellow man through the lives he saved that night. He was an American hero.
R.A. McIntosh
Chief of Police
Spindale Police Department
Address/Location
Spindale Police Department NC
125 Reveley St
Spindale, NC 28160
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-286-3464