On behalf of Crimestoppers of Rutherford County and Spindale Police Department:
On Sunday February 6, 2022, around 8:45 pm, Spindale police received a call that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle near the five hundred block of Ledbetter Road. Officers responded to the area and located the victim, Victor Antonio Whitesides of Spindale lying in the grass near the south bound lane of travel. Additional emergency personnel responded to the scene to assist Mr. Whitesides, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
On-scene investigators located a field of debris in the roadway which led to a determination that Mr. Whitesides was struck while in the roadway. Among the debris was several pieces of black fiberglass and car parts. Investigators examined the car parts and determined that the suspect vehicle was an older model dark in color (black) Honda Accord. A witness at the scene confirmed that a dark in color car had passed them on Ledbetter Road just before the accident. The car was traveling at a high rate of speed heading in the direction of the accident scene. Surveillance footage from the Rutherford Corrections Center on Ledbetter Road also confirmed a dark in color vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed passed the facility in the direction of the scene. Due to the field of debris and parts located at the scene, the suspect vehicle sustained considerable damage to the right front and passenger side of the vehicle.
Spindale Police have received several tips of vehicles matching the suspect vehicle description and damage. Currently, all have been vetted and cleared of involvement. Rutherford County Crimestoppers has agreed to offer a reward to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect in this case. Our citizens are our greatest resource in the community when it comes to this type of crime. We are still seeking information from the public on this case, and we are asking anyone with information to come forward so justice for Mr. Whitesides can be served and his family and friends can have closure.
Crimestoppers of Rutherford County 828-286-TIPS (8477). You can receive a CASH REWARD. You will remain anonymous.
