STATESVILLE, N.C. — A community is helping an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of a police chase in Iredell County.
The suspect stole Benny Phifer’s van leading up to the pursuit.
Phifer operated a fitness center until about two years ago.
(Click PLAY to watch the chase)
He charged for entry, but those who live and work nearby said he used to let children in for free, just so they would have some place to go to get off the street. That generosity has not been forgotten, especially now that he finds himself a victim of crime.
Stylists at Studio 180 Salon saw Chopper 9 video of the chase and noticed the van.
"I said, 'I can't believe it. That's Benny's van,'" salon owner Amy Pendergrass said.
The fitness center is next door.
The stylists and customers watched as the van rammed a patrol car, officers tried to spin it out once, then again stopping the chase.
Authorities had to shatter the windows and pull out Curtis Dalton Jr.
Dalton reportedly stole the van from Phifer's home while he was in bed recovering from a hospital visit.
Phifer was an "innocent victim,” Pendergrass said. “Wrong place, wrong time."
Phifer is now an independent contractor and couldn't afford comprehensive insurance on the van.
Basic insurance won't cover the cost of replacing it.
He said he borrowed money from a credit card to get another van to pay the bills.
The situation is "disheartening, really," Pendergrass said.
She said Phifer was always willing to help anyone in need.
Phifer was flattered to hear that friends have launched an online fundraising campaign to pay to replace the van.
He said some of the children he let in the center for free are grown men who have called to ask how they can help.
The court can order the man suspected of stealing the van to pay for the damages, but that's only if he is found guilty. And it could take months for his case to be heard in court.
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