Man fatally shot in Spindale after altercation

Police say Wesley Tracy Rhodes appeared to strike a local business owner before being shot. No charges have been filed as investigators review the circumstances.

A Spindale man cited for trespassing Friday afternoon was shot and killed hours later after allegedly striking a local business owner outside a West Main Street shopping plaza, according to court records and the Spindale Police Department.

Wesley Tracy Rhodes, 59, died following the confrontation shortly after 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at 239 W. Main Street, following an altercation outside of a Zumba class event at Rock Steady restaurant.

Emergency communications audio described Rhodes as having been “shot in the face.” Police confirmed he suffered one gunshot wound.

No criminal charges have been filed against the person who shot Rhodes. Police said the investigation will be forwarded to the Rutherford County District Attorney’s Office.

Trespassing citation issued earlier Friday

Rutherford County District Court records show that Rhodes was cited for second-degree trespass earlier Friday in connection with an incident on Spindale’s Thermal Belt Rail Trail property, which extends over 13 miles into four towns in Rutherford County.

According to court case 26CR004798-800, Spindale Police Officer D.K. Smith issued citation 804J775 under North Carolina General Statute 14-159.13.

The officer’s comments said, “On 10/23/2026 at approximately 2pm Wesley Rhodes was told to leave…Rails to Trails (Thermal Belt Rail Trail).”

A local ordinance made trespassing enforceable in Spindale, Forest City and Rutherfordton, within municipal limits, as previously reported.

The citation alleges that Rhodes remained on the property without authorization after previously being trespassed by Spindale Police Lt. Padgett on July 31.

Police describe fatal confrontation

According to an Oct. 24 statement from the Spindale Police Department, witnesses described Rhodes as acting irrationally before the shooting.

“Before the incident, several witnesses described Mr. Rhodes as acting irrationally, prompting one patron attending a Zumba class to text a group chat asking someone to meet her outside the business and escort her inside. A witness later described Rhodes approaching another female’s vehicle as she arrived for the Zumba class, approaching her door and possibly trying to gain entry to the vehicle.”

Police said Rhodes was confronted by a worker and part-owner of a local business who asked him to leave the parking lot because he was making others uncomfortable.

Rhodes briefly walked away before returning, yelling and screaming at the business owner, according to investigators.

The business owner told police he was carrying a firearm for protection.

Police described the surveillance video:

“According to video footage of the incident, Mr. Rhodes then animatedly approached the suspect, and after an exchange of words, Mr. Rhodes lunged at the suspect, appearing to strike him. The suspect then fired one shot during the altercation, striking Mr. Rhodes and ultimately killing him.”

Shooting remains under investigation

The Spindale Police Department said the person who fired the shot has cooperated with investigators. They have not identified them.

“The suspect has been cooperative with law enforcement, and at this moment, no charges have been filed. The investigation is ongoing and, at its conclusion, will be presented to the Rutherford County District Attorney’s Office for a determination as to whether charges will be filed.”

Police have not publicly determined whether the shooting constituted legally justified self-defense.

The department thanked the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Rutherfordton Police Department and Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force for their assistance.

The earlier trespassing citation and fatal shooting occurred on the same day. Police have not reported a connection between the two incidents beyond Rhodes’ involvement.

Additional court records, state correctional records, and other public records, including social media, reviewed by WCAB News showed Rhodes was experiencing homelessness after periods of incarceration.

The investigation remains ongoing.