Parts of Rutherford County, including Forest City, Rutherfordton and Spindale have recently been struck with a rash of breaking and entering’s to vehicles.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Investigators began working these incidents and were able to develop a suspect, Christopher Michael Barnes.
In the early hours of Saturday, October 14th, 2023, after a several days long operation, Investigators located the suspect.
With the aid of the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, a vehicle stop was orchestrated in Rutherfordton.
Barnes initially stopped his vehicle but would not comply with commands given by deputies. Ultimately Barnes reentered his vehicle and drove away from Deputies. Upon fleeing Deputies from the traffic stop, Sheriff’s Office K9 “Kilo” was injured by the fleeing vehicle.
Barnes led Deputies on a vehicle pursuit into nearby Spindale, where Barnes crashed his vehicle into a gentleman’s carport. Barnes then fled on foot, leading Deputies on a foot pursuit into a wooded area.
Deputies lost sight of Barnes in the wooded area. Shortly thereafter, the Rutherford County communications received a call stating a vehicle had just been stolen from their yard. This stolen vehicle was in a very close proximity to the location Deputies last saw Barnes.
Deputies, along with K9 “Gitmo”, immediately went to Barnes home on Walker Lake Rd. in Forest City and located the stolen vehicle. K9 "Gitmo" tracked Barnes from the stolen vehicle to Barnes residence where Deputies located Barnes attempting to flee his residence. Deputies then took Barnes into custody without incident.
Barnes was taken to Rutherford Regional where he was treated and released into the Sheriff’s Office custody. Barnes is currently charged with multiple felony charges and is currently being held at the Rutherford County Detention Facility under a $390,000.00 secured bond as well as a parole hold.
K9 “Kilo” was treated for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Sheriff's Office would like to thank Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City Police Departments as well as the NC Highway Patrol for their assistance.
