Police Chase - 3 Dead 1 Injured

The Rutherfordton Police Department and the Town of Rutherfordton are deeply

saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from an incident on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected, and we continue to hold in

our prayers the surviving occupant, who remains in serious condition.

According to preliminary reports, at approximately 5:15 p.m., an RPD officer initiated a

traffic stop on South Main Street for observed traffic violations. Upon the officer’s

indication to stop, the vehicle fled and, during that time, was involved in a hit-and-run

collision. The vehicle continued to flee, traveling approximately 1.4 miles from South

Main Street onto Coxe Road toward Cleghorn Mill Road. Speeds remained at or below

the posted limit for roughly the first mile. During the final portion of the route, along a

rural stretch of roadway outside the Town’s jurisdiction, the vehicle accelerated to a high

rate of speed before leaving the roadway and striking a tree. During the incident, items

were discarded from the vehicle. Law enforcement later recovered materials along the

route, including substances believed to be fentanyl.

Emergency responders from the Rutherfordton Police Department and Rutherfordton

Fire Department arrived immediately and provided care to all involved. Sadly, two

occupants lost their lives at the scene, and a third was transported by ground to a

medical facility, where they later passed away. Because the collision occurred outside

the Town of Rutherfordton’s jurisdiction, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is the

lead agency responsible for investigating the crash and determining contributing factors.

The Rutherfordton Police Department is cooperating fully and is not releasing the

names of those involved.

Given the nature of the stop, the subsequent hit-and-run, and the short pursuit, all

departmental policies and procedures are being reviewed through the standard internal

administrative process. At this time, no conclusions have been reached regarding

compliance or outcomes, and the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and

supporting the families affected. This statement represents the only official release from

the Town of Rutherfordton and the Rutherfordton Police Department regarding this

incident. Any additional information or updates will be provided by the North Carolina

State Highway Patrol upon conclusion of their investigation and report.