A Rutherfordton Police Department officer was involved in an early morning accident on South Main Street that left a pedestrian injured, according to a statement from the Town of Rutherfordton.

Deputies arrested Jeffrey Allen Horton, 29, at 2:46 p.m., charging him with attempted breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, two counts of resisting a public officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office inmate database.

“Our volunteers are often the first to know about major incidents in the county,” said Rick Austin, CERT-Rutherford Program Manager. “We focus on making sure people have the skills and tools to protect their families and neighbors when it matters most.”

Finance Director Paula Roach reported that while the county has spent $38 million on storm recovery, only $7.6 million has been reimbursed by FEMA — leaving $31 million outstanding. “We are being penalized for paying our bills,” Commissioner Donnie Haulk said, noting that the delay effectively makes the county an interest-free lender to the federal government.

Meanwhile, Hunt reported that at least four DSS employees recently resigned to join the state’s new Children and Families Specialty Plan, managed by Elevance/Healthy Blue, which offers salaries up to $20,000 higher plus bonuses.