Update: Two Weekend Shootings in Rutherford County Leave Two Hospitalized

Rutherford County law enforcement responded to two separate shootings over the weekend, both resulting in injuries and ongoing investigations.

The first incident occurred early Saturday morning at approximately 3:57 a.m. at a duplex on 406 Oakland Road in Spindale. Officers were dispatched following reports of shots fired. Authorities say the altercation involved individuals attending a house party, and some left the scene before officers arrived. One person reportedly returned with a firearm and fired at the residence, while additional shots were reported from an unknown location. Police believe no officers were targeted during the incident.

During the investigation, Lennox Pearson of Ellenboro was identified as a person of interest. Pearson, who was on active probation, was contacted at his residence on November 3 by North Carolina Probation and Parole, with assistance from the Spindale Police Department and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. A search of the residence’s common areas recovered a .300 Blackout AR pistol with a butt stock and a 9mm pistol. Both firearms are believed to be linked to the Oakland Road shooting and were seized for ballistics testing.

Pearson was taken into custody for probation violations and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon. Additional charges related to the Oakland Road shooting include discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, six counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and possession of a weapon of mass destruction. Pearson was granted a $1 million bond at his first court appearance.

Authorities thanked the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Probation and Parole, and the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force for their assistance. Law enforcement is urging anyone who attended the party or has information about the incident to contact the Spindale Police Department.

The second shooting occurred Sunday at a large party on Beams Mill Road in Ellenboro. Rutherford County deputies responded after multiple calls reporting shots fired. Two individuals sustained gunshot wounds and left the scene; one was transported to a nearby hospital by EMS, while the other arrived via private vehicle. Both victims are currently receiving medical treatment.

When deputies arrived, many partygoers had already fled the area. Detectives and forensic personnel are conducting interviews and processing evidence. Investigators are asking anyone who attended the party to cooperate, including providing cell phone or social media footage that could aid the investigation. Tips can be submitted to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 828-286-2911 or anonymously through Rutherford County Crimestoppers at 828-286-TIPS, as well as through the RCSO app.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office thanked Rutherford County EMS, the Communications Center, and local police departments, including Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City, for their assistance during both incidents.