Gastonia Police

Gastonia police arrested 28 people for shoplifting over two days during an operation focused on 12 retailers. The law enforcement action targeted stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, and Home Depot. Police filed 38 misdemeanors and eight felony charges, while also seizing drugs and a gun.

A FLOCK camera led to six arrests and the recovery of a dog stolen from Burke County and an explosive, according to Gastonia Police.

A 14-year-old boy is suspected of intentionally starting a fire at a Dollar Tree in Gastonia, North Carolina, causing $1 million in damage. No arrests have been made, and no injuries were reported. The district attorney’s office and the Department of Juvenile Justice will determine next steps in the case.

A 14-year-old boy is suspected of intentionally starting a fire at a Dollar Tree in Gastonia, North Carolina, causing $1 million in damage. No injuries were reported, and police have not confirmed if the teenager has been located or arrested. The case will be reviewed by the district attorney’s office and the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Gastonia police arrested Brandon Petersen, a domestic violence suspect, after K-9 Bo and his handler, Sgt. Rowland, tracked him for over a mile through challenging conditions. The incident began at Pineview Lane Apartments and ended at a nearby shopping center, with the victim receiving hospital treatment. Officers and the K-9 team were commended for their work.

A Gastonia couple, Cedric Ford and Sanja Stallings, falsely reported being victims of a drive-by shooting after Ford was actually shot during an attempted burglary at a home. The homeowner, Donald Bolynn, fired a single shot at Ford following a break-in attempt, leading to Ford and Stallings being charged with first-degree burglary.

A Gaston County homeowner shot a 57-year-old man attempting to break into his home, resulting in the suspect's hospitalization and subsequent charges. The homeowner, who reported multiple prior burglaries linked to the suspect and his girlfriend, will not face charges for the shooting.

Gastonia Police used gunshot detection receivers to address a falsely reported shooting. The city employs 158 such devices as part of the Flock Camera initiative.

Police and firefighters in Gastonia responded to a fire at a Dollar Tree store near East Hudson Boulevard on Sunday afternoon. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A non-verbal toddler was found wandering alone in the road in Gastonia and nearly struck by a vehicle. Police are seeking public assistance to identify the child and locate their family.

Gastonia Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed 46-year-old Christopher McAllister on June 9 at the intersection of West Walnut Avenue and North Ransom Street. The suspect vehicle, a gray or dark SUV possibly a Jeep Compass or Cherokee, may have sustained front-end damage. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and urging the public to provide information.

A moped rider was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Gastonia. The Gastonia Police are asking the public for help in locating additional witnesses to the crash.