News - Local/State

Thursday, Jul. 24, 2008

Carjacking victim attends court hearing for suspect

Rock Hill man recovering from multiple gunshot wounds

An 18-year-old Rock Hill man remained in jail Wednesday after police said he shot a 22-year-old man last week during a carjacking.

A judge denied bond for Donavan Lamar Barber in connection with the shooting of Ricky Price.

Price, of Rock Hill, was taken to Piedmont Medical Center on July 15 with multiple gunshot wounds. He later was transferred to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte before being discharged last Thursday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Still suffering pain from the shooting, Price attended Barber's bond hearing Wednesday. It was just that important, he said.

"I could have been dead and gone," Price said after court.

Barber, of 358 Catherine St., faces multiple charges, including assault and battery with intent to kill, armed robbery, carjacking, possession of a firearm during a violent crime and possession of a pistol by a person convicted of a violent crime, Lt. Jerry Waldrop of the Rock Hill Police Department said.

Around 5:40 p.m. July 15, Price drove a white 1994 Chevy Caprice near Walnut Street when a group of men flagged him down. "I thought they were asking me about my rims," Price said.

The group talked about the car for about five minutes before Price crossed the street, looked at a car that resembled his car, and returned.

"That's when he came around the house," Price recalled about the gunman. "He had a bandanna around his mouth and over his pistol. He had the gun pointed at me and said, 'Give it up.'

"I was telling him I didn't have nothing," Price said. "All I had in my pocket was $10."

According to a police report, Price tried to grab the pistol.

"I was struggling to get the gun," Price said. "I had the barrel part in my hand. Then he started firing."

Price was shot in the groin area, his right hip and left hand before the group left with Price's car, the report states. The vehicle was located in front of 819 Walnut St.

Meanwhile, Price was taken to his family and then PMC. During the ride, Price's sister cradled his head in her lap.

"I thought I was dying," he said. "I started seeing black."

On Wednesday, Price was grateful for life.

"I have a better attitude about life," he said. "I thank God for being able to breathe the air I breathe now."

Barber was arrested Tuesday, Waldrop said. No weapon was recovered, he said.

"We're noticing a lot of these crimes are getting more violent," Waldrop said. "Guns are being used and shots are being fired. People are being injured during assaults and robberies. We want to curb this type of activity and get the guns off the street."

Barber's first court appearance is slated for Sept. 2, the judge said. If convicted, Barber could receive up to a 80-year prison sentence, the judge said.