Trooper Accidentally Killed By Trooper Brother In NC Traffic Stop

MOORESBORO, NC — A law enforcement family in North Carolina is dealing with an unimaginable tragedy: One brother accidentally killed the other in a traffic stop Monday night.

The North Carolina State Patrol said Trooper John Horton was making a traffic stop in Mooresboro about 9 p.m. when his brother, Trooper James N. Horton lost control of his police cruiser as he responded to assist in the stop.

“Trooper James Horton collided with the stationary patrol vehicle and subsequently struck Trooper John Horton and the detained driver who were standing along the roadside,” the state patrol said in a news release Tuesday.

The detained driver, who hasn’t been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. John Horton, a 15-year veteran of the State Patrol, died later at a Spartanburg hospital. His brother was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and has been released, authorities said.

"Our hearts are broken with the loss of our friend and our brother, Trooper John Horton,” Col. Freddy L. Johnson Jr., the commander of the State Patrol, said in the release. “For all involved in this tragic event, the coming days will undoubtedly be difficult, but we are committed to stand alongside with them with our thoughts, prayers and unwavering support.”

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the fatal collision. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol Collision Reconstruction Unit is also assisting with the investigation.