Ashe County Deputies Cleared After Traffic Stop Incident Involving Motorcyclist

In the early morning hours of September 13, 2024, a traffic stop initiated by deputies with the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office quickly escalated into a high-pressure encounter that required both physical intervention and rapid medical assistance — underscoring the demanding nature of patrol work and the importance of swift decision-making in the field.

At approximately 12:49 a.m., a deputy attempted to stop a black motorcycle traveling on NC Highway 88, in the area between Frank Dillard Road and Sheets Bridge. The motorcyclist did not come to a stop immediately, but eventually pulled over along the roadside. The responding deputy issued multiple clear instructions for the rider to dismount and lie down to ensure a safe and controlled interaction. When compliance was not forthcoming, physical engagement became necessary to bring the situation under control.

As the deputy brought the rider off the motorcycle, an unexpected complication arose. The individual was wearing an inflatable protective vest attached to the motorcycle by a tether. During the removal process—before the tether could be disconnected—the motion triggered the vest’s inflation system. The airbag-style safety gear expanded rapidly as the motorcyclist was guided to the ground, momentarily adding to the physical complexity of the situation. Despite this, the deputy remained composed and secured the individual in handcuffs.

Almost immediately, the deputy recognized that the individual required urgent medical attention. Without delay, lifesaving efforts were initiated. The deputy administered two doses of Narcan and began CPR, followed by the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and continued emergency care.

Following proper protocol, the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office contacted the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to conduct an independent review. This decision, made in real time, reflected a proactive and transparent approach to accountability. One deputy was taken to the hospital and released shortly after, while two others sustained minor injuries during the response.

District Attorney Seth Banks of neighboring Watauga County was appointed as a special prosecutor to oversee the legal review. After an extensive investigation, including review of all available body-worn camera footage and the official medical examiner’s report, the case was brought before an Ashe County grand jury on April 28, 2025. The grand jury, after considering the evidence, declined to issue an indictment, and the SBI formally closed the matter.

Shortly after the case concluded, body camera footage was released to the public through a petition by a WBTV investigative reporter. The video confirmed that deputies had acted promptly and with restraint. It showed the moment the safety vest inflated, offering visual context for the unusual dynamics of the incident. Importantly, it also documented the deputies’ transition from physical engagement to immediate and sustained medical aid.

In the wake of the footage’s release, the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office experienced a sharp uptick in phone calls and online messages—many from individuals outside the county. To preserve emergency dispatch capabilities, the department temporarily took down its public-facing website and social media accounts, which were restored shortly after once operations normalized.

Among the deputies involved were Jacob Bledsoe, Cody Call, and Johnny Retezatu, whose actions during and after the incident reflected the difficult balance of safety, urgency, and composure required in the field. Their quick decision-making and willingness to initiate medical care without hesitation exemplify the core values of modern law enforcement.

This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and high-pressure nature of patrol work, especially during encounters involving motorcycles and specialized safety equipment. The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office responded with integrity and discipline, and continues to prioritize both public safety and procedural transparency in service to its community.

The full video is available on the Police Central YouTube Channel. Article by PoliceCentral.org