Two Officers Injured Breaking Up Juvenile Brawl at Rowan County Cheerwine Festival

During the Cheerwine Festival in Rowan County, a fight involving 5 to 10 juveniles resulted in two law enforcement officers being seriously injured while breaking up the altercation. A Salisbury police officer sustained a severe concussion, and a Rowan County deputy suffered a fractured hip requiring surgery, with officials noting the deputy may face lifelong effects from the injury. All juveniles involved were detained but later released to their guardians after secure custody orders were denied. The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the North Carolina State Department of Juvenile Justice to secure custody orders for the minors involved. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are considering upgrading charges due to the severity of the officers' injuries. Police have urged anyone with information or video footage of the event to contact Detective Marks to aid the ongoing investigation.