Two people were killed in a crash on I-26 near the Mars Hill exit around 11 pm on Friday night, August 2nd. North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that one of the drivers killed in the crash was retired Marshall Police Chief Thomas Michael Boone. According to the NC Highway Patrol the other driver was in a stolen vehicle. It appears that the crash is tied to a search for Ryan Ricky Houston, though the identity has not yet been confirmed by the NC State Medical Examiner’s Office. Houston was apparently involved in a series of events including a crash, home invasion, and vehicle thefts Thursday and Friday in McDowell County that led to a chase on Interstate 40. Officers broke off pursuit but later found that Houston collided with a tractor trailer and fled leaving a woman passenger with life threatening injuries. Throughout Friday, law enforcement searched for Houston and called in the US Marshal Fugitive Task Force for assistance. Houston was out on bond at the time of the incidents. Eleven previous charges include attempted murder and alleged shooting of a deputy in 2023, breaking and entering and possession of a stolen firearm, alleged child abuse and communicating threats.
Marshall Chief of Police Mike Boone recently retired from a 32 year career in law enforcement, which included several years with the Burnsville Police Department. Boone was a beloved member of the community with many remembering him as a friend. He leaves behind a loving family including his wife, daughter and granddaughter, his fellow officers and many others who will miss him.
Marshall Chief of Police Mike Boone. (photo courtesy Town of Marshall)
Ryan Ricky Houston, (photo courtesy McDowell Sheriff’s office)
