Three shootings under investigation by Spindale Police

On Wednesday, Officers with the Spindale Police Department were dispatched to 279 New Hampshire Street, Apartment 18. Spindale, NC 28160, in reference to a male subject who had been shot multiple times. Due to the nature of the incident, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and the Rutherfordton Police Department also immediately responded to assistance. Once on scene, officers found a male victim lying on the kitchen floor suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, and arm.

Officers on scene also located the initial caller and Dylan Brent Stroupe inside the apartment. Stroupe was identified as the person who had shot the victim and was detained by law enforcement. Life saving measures were immediately started by law enforcement while the scene was still being secured for EMS to arrive safely. The Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force was contacted to assist, along with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Forensics unit.

Interviews were conducted with the subjects on scene and with surrounding residents, which indicated that there was no ongoing physical altercation and that this was an isolated incident. A search warrant was applied for and granted for the apartment. A search of the apartment was completed, and several firearms were secured, including the weapon that was stated to have been used, an “ARP” style 5.56mm rifle. After interviews with Stroupe, statements by the initial caller, and evidence collection from the search warrant, the Rutherford County District Attorney’s Office was consulted. Dylan Brent Stroupe was formally charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury (AWDWIKISI). Stroupe is currently in custody at the Rutherford County Detention Center, being held without bond until seen by a District Court Judge.

This makes the third shooting in three weeks the Spindale Police Department has been investigating.

The first on 11/1/2025 at approximately 3:57am, Officers with the Spindale Police Department were dispatched to a shots fired call at 406 Oakland Rd Apt 1. When officers arrived at the scene, numerous individuals were still at the residence, attempting to leave. During this time, several more gunshots were heard, causing officers to take cover. While officers were taking cover and awaiting additional backup, more subjects exited the residence and left in vehicles parked in front of it. At this time, no evidence indicates that shots were fired at law enforcement.

Investigators with the Spindale Police Department were notified and responded to the scene, and subsequently requested assistance from the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force. Information collected indicates that a house party turned violent when a physical altercation began between several subjects at the party. While the physical altercation was occurring, someone retrieved a firearm and fired several times while inside of the house. At this time, it is unclear if other members of the party returned fire at the initial gunman.

Within minutes, the aggressors returned to the residence and then fired multiple times into the residence from the roadway with what was described as an “ARP” or AR style pistol. This resulted in the residence being struck at least 14 times, with many bullets traveling into the neighboring unoccupied apartment. In total, 22 shell casings were recovered from 3 different calibers of firearms.

On 11/3/2025, contact was made with Lennox Pearson at his residence located at 113 Earnhart Dr in Ellenboro, NC by NC Probation and Parole. Investigators with the Spindale Police Department and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene to assist NC Probation and Parole. A search of the residence's common areas located a .300 Blackout AR Pistol with an added butt stock and a 9mm pistol. Both firearms were possibly used in the shooting at 406 Oakland Rd and were seized for ballistics testing.

Lennox Pearson was taken into custody for violation of the terms of his probation and was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by Felon. Investigators with the Spindale Police Department subsequently charged Lennox Pearson with the following charges in relation to the events at Oakland Rd:

• Possession of a Firearm by Felon

• Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling

• 6 Counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill

• Possession of a Weapon of Mass Destruction

Spindale Police Department would like to thank the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, NC DAC Probation and Parole, and the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force for their assistance in this continuing investigation. If you were present at this party and have not yet spoken with Law Enforcement, please contact the Spindale Police Department.

The second shooting on 11/15/2025 at approximately 6:48pm, Officers with the Spindale Police Department were dispatched to a shots fired call on E Miller St off of Ledbetter Rd. Officers responding to the scene located one victim suffering a gunshot wound to his leg. Medical care was provided until EMS arrived on scene, and the victim was transported to Atrium Health Cleveland Trauma Center for treatment. The victim is in stable condition and continues to receive medical care.

The Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force was requested to provide additional manpower at the scene of the investigation. At this time, no suspects have been identified, and due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be shared. The Spindale Police Department would also like to thank the Rutherfordton Police Department and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office for their speedy response in assisting our officers on scene.

The Spindale Police Department is requesting community assistance. If you have information on any of these shootings the Spindale Police Department needs your assistance. Call 828-286-3464 or the non-emergency number at 828-286-2911.