Robert Lee "Pete" Peterson, a 37-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity, was a trooper with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. On May 31, 1979, he responded to a domestic dispute in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The incident began when Captain Roy Huskey, the first officer dispatched to the scene, was shot in the head by the suspect as he exited his patrol car. Deputy Sheriff Millard Messersmith arrived shortly after and was also shot in the head as he attempted to back out of the driveway. Trooper Peterson, upon hearing garbled radio traffic, determined something was wrong and headed toward Rutherfordton. As he drove into town, the suspect sped by him, and Trooper Peterson attempted to stop the car, thinking it was a speeding vehicle. Unfortunately, Trooper Peterson was shot in the head and later found with his service revolver fired once.
The suspect was apprehended and convicted of capital murder. He was executed in 1984. Trooper Peterson was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for nine years. He was survived by his sister. In honor of his service, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol named the physical training field and running track at the agency's training center in Raleigh as "Peterson Field," and a portion of U.S. 221 in Rutherford County was also dedicated in his memory.
Trooper Peterson's bravery and dedication to his fellow officers have left a lasting legacy. His story is remembered and honored by law enforcement and the community alike.
