New Details on Rutherfordton Police Crash

A newly released North Carolina State Highway Patrol report provides additional details about the October 8 police-involved crash that resulted in the death of 77-year-old David Barton Long of Rutherfordton. The report, made public on October 24, differs from earlier statements issued by District Attorney Ted Bell and Rutherfordton town officials.

According to the Highway Patrol’s findings, the crash occurred on a lighted section of U.S. 221, and Long was struck by the front-right corner of a Rutherfordton Police Department Dodge Charger driven by Sgt. Jordan Chapman. The report states that Long was walking north in the fog line with his back to traffic when the collision occurred, and that he was thrown more than 30 feet from the point of impact.

Long, a U.S. Army veteran, was taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and later transferred to hospice care, where he died on October 18.

District Attorney Bell publicly announced on October 17—prior to the completion of the Highway Patrol’s report—that Sgt. Chapman would not face criminal charges, describing the incident as the result of rainy conditions. The Highway Patrol report does not reference weather as a contributing factor.

Damage to the police vehicle was estimated at $4,000, according to Trooper A. Shrader’s report.

Following Bell’s statement, the Town of Rutherfordton shared his release on social media, calling the investigation “thorough” and “transparent.” Police Chief Clint Ingle also commented publicly, defending the department and stating that the officer was not at fault. Chapman was not injured in the crash.