Update: New Details Released in Wednesday Rutherfordton Pedestrian Accident

Update: The North Carolina Highway Patrol has released additional details regarding the early morning accident involving a Rutherfordton Police Department officer and a pedestrian.

The incident occurred around 4 a.m. Wednesday near the Dollar General on U.S. Highway 221 (South Main Street) close to Crestview Street. The pedestrian has been identified as David Barton Long of Rutherfordton.

According to Sgt. Jack Reid with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the investigation indicates that Long was walking with the flow of traffic rather than facing oncoming vehicles when he was struck by a patrol car. The vehicle hit Long with the right side, impacting the right side of the windshield.

Long was transported by Rutherford County EMS to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition. The officer involved in the crash has been identified by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) as Sgt. Jordan Chapman of the Rutherfordton Police Department. Sgt. Chapman was not injured in the incident.

Rutherfordton Police Chief Clint Ingle said the Highway Patrol continues to lead the investigation at his request and that the department is fully cooperating.

“I just ask our community to keep both the pedestrian and the officer in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Chief Ingle said, adding that Long is expected to make a full recovery.

No further information has been released as the investigation remains ongoing.