Families Demand Answers After Deadly Rutherford County Police Pursuit

A tragic crash following a police pursuit in Rutherford County has left three people dead and another seriously injured, as family members continue searching for answers about what led to the deadly incident.

According to authorities, the crash happened Friday evening after a Rutherfordton police officer attempted to stop a vehicle within town limits. Rutherfordton Police Chief Clint Ingle said the driver refused to stop and fled, allegedly becoming involved in a hit-and-run collision during the pursuit.

Police say the chase continued for approximately 1.4 miles before the vehicle accelerated, ran off the roadway outside Rutherfordton city limits, and crashed head-on into a tree.

Two people inside the vehicle died at the scene, while a third later died at a nearby hospital. A fourth passenger remains hospitalized in serious condition.

Town officials confirmed the pursuing officer continued the chase beyond Rutherfordton’s jurisdiction, which they say is allowed under the town’s pursuit policy. The department’s policy states a pursuit may be justified when “the necessity of immediate apprehension outweighs the level of danger created by the pursuit.”

The policy also outlines several factors officers should consider before initiating or continuing a pursuit, including traffic conditions, weather, road conditions, time of day, pedestrian activity, vehicle speeds, and the nature of the offense.

Authorities have not yet disclosed why officers initially attempted the traffic stop.

Because the crash occurred outside Rutherfordton town limits, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is now leading the investigation into the collision and what factors contributed to it.

“The driver ran off the road to the right and traveled down the shoulder to a grassy area and struck a tree head-on,” said Sgt. Eric Phillips with the State Highway Patrol.

Phillips said investigators are still working to determine details surrounding the crash, including the vehicle’s speed at the time of impact. Questions regarding whether the pursuit itself was appropriate have been referred back to Rutherfordton Police.

As the investigation continues, grieving families gathered at the crash site Monday, where flowers and crosses now mark the location where the three victims lost their lives.

Debra Fair, whose son 36-year-old Shaiderick Barbee was identified as the driver, said she believes an independent investigation is needed to determine whether the pursuit was justified.

“I’ve been grieving in the midnight hour,” Fair said. “If I don’t get justice on this side, God will get justice on the other side.”

Another victim’s mother, Tracy Dotson, said her daughter Pamela Kline was among those killed. Dotson said her daughter had simply been riding to the store before the crash occurred.

“She has three children,” Dotson said while standing near the memorial site. “This could have been avoided.”

Both families questioned why the pursuit continued outside town limits and whether the chase should have been terminated sooner.

Chief Ingle released a statement expressing condolences to the families involved.

“The Rutherfordton Police Department and the Town of Rutherfordton are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from this incident,” Ingle said. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected, and we continue to pray for the surviving occupant who remains in serious condition.”

The investigation remains ongoing.