Rutherfordton man arrested for Thermal Belt Rail Trail shooting and drug charges
Laquan Logan was arrested early Saturday morning, public records show. Rutherfordton police wouldn’t disclose his name, citing an ongoing investigation.
On Friday, March 29, at approximately 11:30 pm, the tranquility of the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT) was shattered by the sound of gunshots, prompting a swift response from the Rutherfordton police department and the Spindale police department.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office detention center records show Laquan Lee Logan, 29, a convicted felon, was arrested for multiple charges during the period police described.
The incident occurred near Sparks Crossing and Grand Central St., but raised urgent questions about police transparency and public access to records. The Rutherfordton police department’s press release, issued the following day, first said it happened on Sparks St., several blocks in the other direction. They corrected their release on Monday.
“Upon arrival multiple shell casings were located and other items of evidence. A victim was located at a nearby residence seeking help with multiple gunshot wounds to his extremities. The victim was taken to Spartanburg for medical treatment. Upon further investigation it was found that the suspect was in a residence on Whitesides Road. The suspect was located and taken to Rutherford Regional Hospital for medical treatment and shortly released. The suspect is currently being held at the Rutherford County Detention Center for attempted murder, possession of narcotics and multiple other charges,” police said.
Rutherfordton police chief Clint Ingle expressed gratitude to the Spindale police department, Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, and other assisting agencies for their efforts. However, amidst the commendations, concerns emerged regarding the need for greater transparency from the Rutherfordton Police Department. As Chief Ingle clarified that the incident stemmed from a family dispute rather than a random act of violence, community members emphasized the importance of understanding the context and circumstances surrounding such incidents.
“…There are many questionable characters on these trails at all times of the day. It has gotten to where young moms and seniors are afraid to walk on them,” Barry Bumgardner said in response to my Facebook news post in a local group.
After filing a public records request, Chief Ingle exclusively told me that “this is still an open investigation,” which was not mentioned in their press release.
Calls for immediate access to public records and increased police transparency have reverberated throughout Rutherfordton, western NC, and the United States in recent years, with residents advocating for a clearer understanding of law enforcement procedures and responses to critical incidents. This includes releasing the suspect’s name, per state law. North Carolina has two Sunshine Laws: the Open Meetings Law and the Public Records Law. The North Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows anyone to request public records, without requiring a statement of purpose.
The North Carolina public records law states that certain information reported to law enforcement agencies is considered public record. This includes details such as the time, date, location, and nature of the violation, as well as information about individuals who have been arrested, charged, or indicted, including their name, sex, age, address, employment, and the alleged violation. It also covers details surrounding an arrest, such as whether there was resistance, use of weapons, or pursuit, and descriptions of items seized during the arrest.
As investigations continue and the community seeks closure, the shooting on the TBRT serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of open communication between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, and the need for individuals to remain alert.
“No one wants to use the trail anymore. It has become a highway for the homeless degenerates that have flooded our town over the last few years,” Brock Weyman said in response to my news post on Facebook.
Rutherfordton police still haven’t released a suspect’s name as of this writing. I filed a public records request with them and with the Rutherford County courthouse.
In North Carolina, "free text" is used in the state's computer system when a specific offense code cannot be found for a crime. This means that the charging instrument in the computer system does not contain corresponding charging language. Instead, the charging person uses "free text" to create their charging language.
The Thermal Belt Rail Trail is a former railroad corridor, a beloved recreational pathway that winds through picturesque landscapes and historic sites. Federal law made it what it is today. The fully paved 12-foot wide trail officially opened in 2019, spanning 13.58 miles to connect rural Rutherford County with Ruth, Spindale, Rutherfordton and Forest City. The TBRT website offers safety tips, including, “For emergencies call or text 911. Include your location/nearest cross street. For your safety please walk with a friend.”
Named after the region's unique "thermal belt" climate, characterized by milder temperatures and longer growing seasons, the trail provides an immersive experience amidst the natural beauty of the area. “Users of the Thermal Belt Rail Trail do so at their own risk. The Towns of Ruth, Rutherfordton, Spindale, Forest City, the County of Rutherford, and Rutherford Railroad Development Corporation are not liable for any injuries or accidents occurring during use of the trail,” their website states.
According to the TBRT rules, legal guns are allowed. “Firearms and other weapons are prohibited except that those with a proper permit may possess a concealed handgun under the requirements of North Carolina G.S. 14-415.11,” their website says. The alleged shooter, Laquan Logan, can’t legally possess a gun under the law since he is a convicted felon according to state records. He is due in court for these recent charges on April 17.
I was the first journalist to report the incident on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Please follow me there if you haven’t already, it’s where I usually post breaking news (and follow up with a longer form piece here.)
Cops & Congress by Annie Dance is a service journalism newsletter, focusing on police, policy, and public records in the Lake Lure area of western NC and beyond. This article is free to read due to generous support from founding member subscribers.
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