Dad and son wreck into each other, then pull guns and start shooting, NC cops say

A family dispute escalated to manslaughter when vehicles driven by a father and son slammed into each other, and the two men engaged in a gunfight, according to investigators in North Carolina.

Detectives reached that conclusion after a seven-month investigation into what led 30-year-old Trace Michael Kinser to fatally shoot his father, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

The gunfight erupted July 15 on West Innes Street near Salisbury, which is about a 40-mile drive northeast from uptown Charlotte.

“The incident involved a father and son who were driving separate vehicles when a collision occurred in the roadway. Evidence gathered during the investigation indicates the crash was followed by an exchange of gunfire between the two individuals,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Officers located the father, 53-year-old Tracy Richard Kinser, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head in a wooded area near the roadway. He was transported to (a hospital) for treatment but later died as a result of his injuries.”

Detectives found video footage showing the incident began with a “verbal exchange between the two,” officials said. Details of what ignited the dispute were not released.

“Tire marks and physical evidence at the crime scene show that Trace (Richard Kinser) positioned his vehicle in front of his father’s truck and quickly stopped, causing his father to crash into him,” officials said.

“Witness statements, physical evidence, and crime scene findings indicate both individuals discharged firearms during the confrontation.”

Trace Michael Kinser was found at the scene of the crash. He was arrested on Feb. 4 and charged with felony voluntary manslaughter, and is being held without bond, officials said.

This story was originally published February 6, 2026 at 6:32 AM with the headline "Dad and son wreck into each other, then pull guns and start shooting, NC cops say."