NORTH CAROLINA — Three people were killed and a fourth was seriously injured after a police pursuit ended in a crash Friday evening in Rutherfordton, according to authorities.
Police said the incident began around 5:15 p.m. when an officer with the Rutherfordton Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle for traffic violations on South Main Street. Officials said the driver fled and was later involved in a hit-and-run collision.
The pursuit continued for about 1.4 miles, traveling from South Main Street onto Coxe Road toward Cleghorn Mill Road. According to police, the vehicle was traveling at or below the speed limit for much of the pursuit before accelerating to a high rate of speed on a rural stretch of road.
Authorities said the vehicle ultimately crashed into a tree.
Two occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. A third person was taken to a hospital, where they later died from their injuries. A fourth occupant remains in critical condition.
Investigators said items were thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit, and officers later recovered materials believed to include fentanyl along the route.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, as the crash occurred outside the town’s jurisdiction. The Rutherfordton Police Department is cooperating and said an internal review of policies related to the traffic stop and pursuit is underway.
Officials have not released the names of those involved. The investigation remains ongoing.
