Gaston Talks

Gaston Talks Gaston Talks alerts citizens Breaking News and Local Happenings around Gaston County.

10/01/2024

Gaston county will have a local driver at Daytona this year! Caleb Costner of Dallas will be going full time!

21/06/2023

JUST IN: Dallas police say just after midnight they responded to a call on the 1600 block of Eastway Drive. They say 25-year-old Christopher Knox Wery was found with a shotgun wound and died a short time later. Watch WSOC-TV Channel 9 starting at 4:30am for the latest.

Storms are beginning to move in around the Gaston County and surrounding area, if you have any photos damage please comm...
03/03/2023

Storms are beginning to move in around the Gaston County and surrounding area, if you have any photos damage please comment them down below or send us a private message along with the location. Thank you!

At approximately 0700 this morning (2/1/23) Hugh’s Pond VFD was dispatched to a MVA with injuries. Engine 720 checked en...
01/02/2023

At approximately 0700 this morning (2/1/23) Hugh’s Pond VFD was dispatched to a MVA with injuries. Engine 720 checked en route and was notified that the accident involved a bus. Car 72 arrived on scene and advised that the 5 children aboard where uninjured and able to exit the bus, but the driver was partially pinned with minor injuries. Car 72 established 72 command and requested Waco VFD (station 74) to respond to assist in potential extraction. Engine 720’s crew was able to remove the driver from the back emergency door and mutual aid was canceled. Units remained on scene for almost 2 hours before clearing.

01/01/2023

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE:

Officer Kwaku Riley Agyapon Charged with First-Degree Murder

Sunday, January 1st 2023 at 2:20 pm.

At approximately 2:15 am on January 1, 2023, the Ranlo Police Department responded to a call for service on Burlington Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers observed that an off-duty Ranlo Police Officer had been involved in a domestic dispute. Officer Kwaku Riley Agyapon had been stabbed multiple times and had discharged his service weapon, killing the stabbing suspect.

Ranlo Police immediately turned the investigation over to Gaston County Police and requested the assistance of State Bureau of Investigations.

Following an investigation the SBI, in consultation with the Gaston County District Attorney's Office, obtained a warrant for the charge of first-degree murder against Mr. Agyapon.

The Ranlo Chief of Police Jimmy Lunsford and Town Manager Jonathan Blanton have also placed Mr. Agyapon on unpaid administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

Mr. Agyapon is currently under observation at CaroMont Health and upon his discharge from the hospital will be taken to the Gaston County Jail.

The SBI is investigating the matter, and all inquiries should be directed to their office at [email protected].

01/01/2023

Off-duty Ranlo officer involved in domestic dispute, gets stabbed then shoots and kills suspect. SBI Investigating.

At approximately 2:15 am on January 1, 2023, the Ranlo Police Department responded to a call for service on Burlington Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers observed an off-duty Ranlo Police Officer had been involved in a domestic dispute. The officer had been stabbed multiple times and had shot and killed the stabbing suspect.

Ranlo Police immediately turned the investigation over to Gaston County Police and requested the assistance of the State Bureau of Investigations.

The SBI is investigating the matter, and all inquiries should be directed to their office.

This is a breaking story and more updates will be provided as they are available.

14/12/2022

: GASTON COUNTY POLICE CHARGE 3 PEOPLE IN DEATH OF 4 YEAR OLD

On Tuesday December 13, 2022 at 4:22 PM, the Gaston County Police
Department responded to 107 Cindy Lane, Gastonia, in reference to a shooting. Upon
arrival, County Police officers located a 4-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite lifesaving measures, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives determined the child’s
mother, father, and another relative living in the residence failed to properly secure a
firearm. The decedent and one of his siblings found the firearm. While in possession of
the firearm, the gun discharged one time, striking the victim, resulting in the child’s
death.
After consulting with the Gaston County District Office, the decision was made to
arrest all three adults. They have been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter,
felony child abuse, and the misdemeanor charge of storing a firearm in a manner
accessible to a minor The suspects charged are:
Savannah Leigh Brehm, 1/26/2000, 107 Cindy Lane, Gastonia, NC
Hector Manuel Mendoza, 3/9/2000, 107 Cindy Lane, Gastonia, NC
Keith Deshawn Strughill, 3/23/2001, 107 Cindy Lane, Gastonia, Gastonia, NC
This is an on-going investigation. The Gaston County Police encourages anyone
with information related to this case to contact Detective H. King at 704-866-3320 or
Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.

On December 9th, 2022 at about 4:15 PM, the Gaston County Police Department responded to the Family Dollar located at 20...
13/12/2022

On December 9th, 2022 at about 4:15 PM, the Gaston County Police Department responded to the Family Dollar located at 2001 Davis Park Road, near Gastonia, NC, in reference to an armed robbery. Initial reports indicated the business was robbed at gunpoint by two African American males. The two suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of cash from the business in a vehicle. A Gaston County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle a short distance away. The Gaston County Police K9 Unit tracked the two suspects. During this track, items of evidentiary value were located. The two suspects were able to evade arrest.

The Criminal Investigations Unit has been investigating this incident since it occurred. Detectives were able to identify suspect #1 as:

​Julio Angel Escalera Padilla of Gastonia, NC- There are currently outstanding warrants for Padilla. Padilla is considered armed and dangerous.

Suspect #2 is described as an African American male approximately 35 to 45 years of age, between 5’ 5” and 5’ 8”, and weighing between 230 and 250 pounds.

The Gaston County Police wishes to acknowledge the cooperation between several agencies that assisted with this investigation, including the Gastonia Police and Gaston County Sheriff’s Office.

The public is urged to contact the Gaston County Police with any information related to the location of Padilla. Citizens should not attempt to detain Padilla. Instead, citizens are encouraged to call 911 if they encounter the suspect.

This is an on-going investigation. If you have information pertinent to the investigation, such as the identification of the second suspect, please call Gaston County Police Detective C. Cogdill at 704-866-3320. Information can also be provided through Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information provided in this case.

PHOTO 1: Identified as Julio Angel Escalera Padilla

PHOTO 2: Unidentified Suspect

On September 26th, 2022 at approximately 6:45 AM, officers with the Gaston County Police Department responded to the 800...
13/12/2022

On September 26th, 2022 at approximately 6:45 AM, officers with the Gaston County Police Department responded to the 800 block of Kiser Road, located near Bessemer City, in reference to an unconscious patient. Upon arrival, officers found a juvenile female deceased from a probable drug overdose. Due to the victim’s age, the County Police are not releasing their information.

Through the investigative process, the Criminal Investigations Unit identified two persons involved in supplying Fentanyl pills that resulted in the victim’s death. Those persons are:
Nicholas Gage Ivey, 19, of Spindale, NC

Deontae Jaquise Miller, 24, of Rutherford ton, NC

The Criminal Investigations Unit worked with the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office to determine appropriate charges. Both individuals were charged with the following charges:
Death by Distribution
Felony Conspiracy
Felony Conspiracy to Sell/ Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substances

Both parties were located and arrested on December 12, 2022 by members of the Gaston County Police Criminal Investigations Unit and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

The Defendants appeared before a Gaston County District Court Judge on December 13, 2022 for their first appearance, where they each received a secured bond in the amount of $500,000.00. Both defendants remain in the Gaston County Jail.

The Gaston County Police Department would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and the Rutherfordton Police Department. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit was extremely helpful with this investigation.

This is an on-going investigation. If you have information pertinent to the investigation, the Gaston County Police encourages you to contact Det. S. Brogden at 704-866-3320. Information can also be provided through Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.

UPDATE: Gunner has been found! Thank you to everyone who shared. Photos below show K-9 Gunner being reunited with his ha...
08/12/2022

UPDATE: Gunner has been found! Thank you to everyone who shared. Photos below show K-9 Gunner being reunited with his handler.

MISSING: The York County Sheriff’s Office says that during K-9 training yesterday the pictured bloodhound “Gunner” je**ed away from his handler and ran off into the woods around 3:00 pm at Kings Mountain State Park. Gunner has not been seen since. We’re told that Gunner has his harness and long lead (Leash) on him. If you have seen him, do not approach him and please contact the York County Sheriff’s Office right away. Authorities say Gunner broke free from his handler in the area of the Living History Farm inside Kings Mountain State Park off Camp Cherokee Road.

Murder suspect arrested following a domestic-related shooting.Detectives from the Gastonia Police Department (GPD) have ...
03/12/2022

Murder suspect arrested following a domestic-related shooting.

Detectives from the Gastonia Police Department (GPD) have charged Shiquan Eleek Ratchford, age 22, of Gastonia for the murder of Megan Michelle Tate, age 33, also of Gastonia.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on December 2, GPD officers and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to an apartment in the 3100 block of Spring Valley Drive for the report of a shooting that just occurred.

Upon arrival, officers located Tate deceased from a gunshot wound inside an apartment. Officers identified Ratchford as the suspect who shot Tate and learned that he fled the apartment immediately after shooting her.

Officers quickly located Ratchford in the area and arrested him without incident.

The handgun that Ratchford is believed to have used to shoot Tate was located by a K9 unit from an assisting law enforcement agency behind a church on Shannon Bradley Road.

Ratchford is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. He is being held without bond.

 : Police are on scene of a fatal shooting in the 3600 block of Spring Valley Drive off of Shannon Bradley Road. An adul...
03/12/2022

: Police are on scene of a fatal shooting in the 3600 block of Spring Valley Drive off of Shannon Bradley Road. An adult female was pronounced deceased on scene. We’re told the suspect is in custody.

Man Charged with Felony Physical Child Abuse of Four-Month Old InfantDetectives from the Gastonia Police Department (GPD...
30/11/2022

Man Charged with Felony Physical Child Abuse of Four-Month Old Infant

Detectives from the Gastonia Police Department (GPD) have charged Renaldo Demetrius Johnson, age 35, of Gastonia for the felony physical child abuse of his girlfriend’s four-month-old son.

At approximately 5 p.m. on November 26, GPD officers responded to CaroMont Regional Medical Center Hospital after hospital staff called police to report suspected physical child abuse of an infant after the baby was brought to the hospital by his mother.

During the investigation, detectives determined that the infant’s mother was at work during the day and that her boyfriend was watching the infant at their home. Upon returning home from work, the mother noticed bruises on the infant and when asked, the boyfriend told her that the baby fell off the couch. The mother immediately took the infant to the hospital.

Detectives were told by hospital staff that the infant had multiple bruises on his body and that a CT scan revealed the infant had a skull fracture. Hospital staff further told investigators that the infant’s injuries were not consistent with the boyfriend’s account of how the baby’s injuries occurred. The infant was immediately transferred to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte for advanced care.

While still at the hospital, the mother told officers that her boyfriend stayed in the car in the hospital’s parking lot. When officers spoke with the boyfriend and attempted to identify him, the boyfriend provided officers with a false name. Officers quickly determined the boyfriend’s true identity as Renaldo Johnson and discovered that Johnson had four open warrants for his arrest.

Johnson was arrested and transported to the Gaston County Jail where he was charged with one count of felony physical child abuse. He is being held on a $156,000 bond.

30/10/2022

THIS IS A NORTH CAROLINA AMBER ALERT FOR
AN ENDANGERED CHILD

RALEIGH 10/30/2022 5:56 PM -- The Asheboro Police Department is searching for 2 missing children: LONDYN RENEE WILLIAMS and DESHAWN DEVONE WILLIAMS.

LONDYN RENEE WILLIAMS is a 4-year-old, Black, Female, approximately 3 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 40 pounds. She has BLACK hair, and BROWN eyes. PURPLE PANDA SWEATER WITH JEGGINGS WITH CATS ON THE FEET

DESHAWN DEVONE WILLIAMS is a 2-year-old, Black, Male, approximately 2 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 28 pounds. He has BLACK hair, and BROWN eyes. RED AND WHITE SHIRT WITH TAN SLACKS

The victims are believed to be with: DESHAWN DEVONE WILLIAMS, WILLIAMS DOMINIC MARKEL and HALEY SUE HARRAH.

DESHAWN DEVONE WILLIAMS is described as 25 years old, Black, Male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 230 pounds. He has BROWN hair, and BROWN eyes. BLACK HOODIE AND BLACK SKI MASK

WILLIAMS DOMINIC MARKEL is described as 20 years old, Black, Male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds. He has BLACK hair, and BORWN eyes. BLACK HOODIE AND BLACK SKI MASK

HALEY SUE HARRAH is described as 24 years old, White, Female, 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing UNKNOWN. She has BROWN hair, and GREEN eyes

831 OCCONEECHEE AVE;APT B, ASHEBORO,NC 27203. X2 MALES AND X1 FEMALE INVOLVED POSSIBLY HEADING TO FLORIDA. The vehicle is a BLACK 2019 DODGE DURANGO with NC license tag number JMY3236.

If you have any information regarding this case, call the Asheboro Police Department immediately at (336) 318-6923, or call 911 or* HP.

26/10/2022

JUST IN: Detectives from the Gastonia Police Department (GPD) continue to investigate the October 23 shooting of a 34-year-old man that occurred outside a convenience store on W. Davidson Avenue. Today, investigators are releasing surveillance video of the suspect’s vehicle (a blue unknown make or model SUV) and are asking the public for any help in identifying the suspect who shot the victim, the owner of the vehicle, or the driver of the vehicle.

On October 23 at approximately noon, GPD officers and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to a home on W. Davidson Avenue for the report of a shooting that just occurred. The victim was located at the home suffering from a gunshot wound and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, detectives determined the shooting occurred outside of Soo’s Market located at 902 W. Davidson Avenue. After he was shot, the victim went to a nearby residence to call 9-1-1.

Anyone with information about this shooting, the suspect, or the suspect’s vehicle is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000. You may be eligible for a cash reward and callers may remain anonymous.

24/10/2022

SHOOTING UPDATE:

On Monday October 24, 2022 at about 3:15 pm, the Gaston County Police Department responded to the 300 block of Robinson Clemmer Road near Dallas, NC, in reference to a vehicle accident. Responding public safety officials located a vehicle off the roadway. Bullet holes were observed in the driver’s window. Three people were located deceased in the vehicle.

​Initial reports indicated the incident had occurred between 3:00-3:15 pm today; closer to the time the incident was reported to the Gaston County Communications Center but detectives determined the shooting and subsequent vehicle wreck occurred prior to 1:30 pm today. A social media post was located showing the vehicle wrecked at approximately 1:50 pm. No reports were made to law enforcement until 3:13 pm.

​The driver of the vehicle was identified as Darlene Hardin, White Female, 9/11/1965, of Corvette Lane in Kings Mountain, NC.

​The front seat passenger was identified as Benjamin Barett Simmons, White Male, 6/3/1957, of Hargrove Ave in Gastonia, NC.

​The backseat passenger was identified as David James Bright, White Male, 6/21/1988, of Corvette Lane in Kings Mountain, NC. Mr. Bright has been identified as the suspect in this double homicide. Mr. Bright died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
​The Gaston County Police Department would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by Dallas Police, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Gaston County Sheriff, Gaston Emergency Medical Services, and Spencer Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.

​This is an on-going investigation. If you have information pertinent to the investigation, the Gaston County Police encourages you to contact Det. J. P. Brienza at 704-866-3320. Information can also be provided through Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.

BREAKING: 3 people were found dead in a car after a shooting in Gaston County, authorities tell Channel 9.
24/10/2022

BREAKING: 3 people were found dead in a car after a shooting in Gaston County, authorities tell Channel 9.

 : We’re being made aware of a shooting that occurred on Robinson Clemmer Road, we’re told three people have been shot a...
24/10/2022

: We’re being made aware of a shooting that occurred on Robinson Clemmer Road, we’re told three people have been shot and killed in a vehicle during this incident. We will update you as we get information.

JUST IN: Inclement Weather Message for Friday, September 30Gaston County is under a tropical storm warning, and with Hur...
29/09/2022

JUST IN: Inclement Weather Message for Friday, September 30

Gaston County is under a tropical storm warning, and with Hurricane Ian expected to affect our area, Gaston County Schools will be closed for students on Friday, September 30. It will be an optional teacher workday. Employees have the option to work remotely, if they have the ability to do so.

Police Chief Announces Retirement.Gastonia Police Chief Travis Brittain announced yesterday that he will retire in Janua...
20/09/2022

Police Chief Announces Retirement.

Gastonia Police Chief Travis Brittain announced yesterday that he will retire in January after 28 years as a Gastonia Police Officer and over two years as Chief of Police.

Chief Brittain began his law enforcement career at the age of 15 when he joined the Gastonia Police Department’s Explorer Program. He was hired as a full-time Gastonia Police officer in 1994. In 2004, Brittain was promoted to Sergeant and then promoted to Captain in 2012. In 2014, Brittain was named Assistant Police Chief under Chief Robert Helton.

“Chief Brittain’s contributions will have a lasting impact in our community,” said Mayor Walker Reid. “His commitment to our City, his profession, and his staff is highly commendable. It has been a pleasure working with him.”

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Gastonia for the past 28 years,” said Brittain. “I have been fortunate throughout my career to work alongside some of the finest women and men at the Gastonia Police Department and I want to thank them for their dedication and commitment that they bring to the job every day. I want to especially thank the Mayor, Council, and Management for their confidence and support.”

Chief Brittain was born and raised in Gastonia and graduated from Ashbrook High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Gardner Webb University and a master’s degree in Justice Administration from Methodist University. He is a 2013 graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 254th Session and received the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the State of North Carolina.

“Chief Brittain has been an integral part in delivering essential public service to our community by coordinating many efforts to advance our police structure and programs,” said City Manager Michael Peoples. “We wish him a prosperous and healthy future.”

He has served on the boards of several community organizations, including the Executive Board of the Gaston Clergy & Citizens Coalition (GC3) and Habitat for Humanity, where he co-planned initiatives to build homes in areas impacted by crime. Chief Brittain is also a member of the Rotary Club of East Gastonia.

Gaston County- Thank you. Since I was 10-years-old knew what my dream was — news. I started Gaston Talks in 2018 and was...
13/09/2022

Gaston County- Thank you.

Since I was 10-years-old knew what my dream was — news. I started Gaston Talks in 2018 and was able to grow it to a news outlet that many people in Gaston County followed. I was able to work with many news outlets in the Charlotte market and was able to show off my hard work, drive, and passion for news. I was also able to make many connections within the Charlotte market.

After almost 5 years my hard work paid off. I am so happy to announce I have accepted a position at Channel 9 as a Videographer/Photographer. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with such awesome people. Working in the TV market where I grew up is absolutely amazing, especially being the 22nd market in the country.

You may have noticed- I have already taken a step away from Gaston Talks to focus on my current career. I will still be away from the page but don’t worry, Gaston Talks will be staying around. I have faith that our new admin will continue to bring exceptional news coverage to the Gaston County community.

Thank you all for following my journey, and allowing me to tell your stories. This wouldn’t have been possible without you all.

-Coleman

NEVER FORGET: September 11, 2001 twenty-one years ago 19 Islamic extremists associated with al Qaeda highjacked four air...
11/09/2022

NEVER FORGET: September 11, 2001 twenty-one years ago 19 Islamic extremists associated with al Qaeda highjacked four airplanes and carried out terrorist attacks against the United States. Two planes were flown into the twin towers in New York City, the third plane was flown into the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, and the fourth crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA.

Over 6,000 people were injured in the attacks, and nearly 3,000 people were killed, 412 being emergency workers, and 343 of those being firefighters.

Today, we remember— the shock, anger, sadness, and fear. We remember the day the world changed, the lives that were lost, and the bravery of so many.

America will never forget September 11, 2001. 🇺🇸

On Sunday September 4, 2022 at 11:32 am, the Gaston County Police responded to the 4000 block of Stoney Oaks Drive in th...
05/09/2022

On Sunday September 4, 2022 at 11:32 am, the Gaston County Police responded to the 4000 block of Stoney Oaks Drive in the southwestern portion of Gaston County in reference to a vehicle left abandoned on private property.

When Gaston County Police Officers arrived, a silver Lincoln Town Car was located off of a private roadway. The vehicle appeared to have been wrecked and was stuck down a slight embankment. Officers checked the area for the driver or any passengers. No one was located. A loaded assault style rifle was observed in the car. County Police processed the vehicle and recovered the unsecured weapon for public safety. The vehicle was towed from the property.

A second call was placed by at approximately 3:23 pm to Gaston County Communications. The reporting person stated they heard gunshots and saw a suspicious subject in the same area where the vehicle was previously located. Officers responded back to the area. A search was conducted but no one was located.

At around 4:30 pm, officers responded to the 4000 block of Stoney Oaks Drive when a reporting person called in stating an unknown subject was holding a gun to their father’s head in a garage of a residence. The suspect fled on foot. A Gaston County Police K9 Unit was utilized to track the suspect. During the track, the K9 team located a second assault style rifle and bag hidden a short distance from where the Lincoln Town Car was located earlier during the day. As officers continued searching for the suspect, the K9 Unit alerted on an abandoned car in the immediate area. At this point, the suspect fired multiple times upon the K9 Unit and three police officers. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The suspect complied with the officers’ commands. Officers then rendered immediate medical aid. The suspect was transported to CaroMont Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released. No officers were injured during the incident.

For transparency purposes, the State Bureau of Investigations is conducting an investigation into the officer involved shooting. Body Worn Camera footage will not be released until the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office and State Bureau of Investigations have been consulted.



The suspect has been identified as:

Matthew Curtis Buford
8/19/1989
900 Junius St
Gastonia, NC 28054
(Previous Mugshot)

Mr. Buford has been charged with:
• 4 counts of attempted 1st degree murder
• 1 count of robbery with a dangerous weapon
• 1 count of 2nd degree kidnapping
• 1 count of assault by pointing a gun
• 1 count of assault on a law enforcement K9
• 1 count of possession of a firearm by a felon

Anyone with information pertinent to the investigation is encouraged to call Detective J. P. Brienza at the Gaston County Police at 704-866-3320. Information can also be reported through Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000. Information leading to the arrest of involved parties can result in a reward up to $1,000.

04/09/2022

A Gaston County Police officer was involved in a shooting near the 4400 block of Stoney Oaks Drive in Gastonia. A source confirmed to Gaston Talks EXCLUSIVELY that a suspect was shot in the head after the suspect was holding someone else at gunpoint. After a K-9 track officers were lead to a car where they located the subject and shot. According to the source officers had previously been called out to the home today. Shots were fired at approximately 5:18pm. We’re told no officers were injured during this encounter.

Working to get more information and confirm the information given to Gaston Talks. Video provided by Patrick Allen.

 : We’re on scene of a single vehicle rollover on I-85 Northbound at Exit 23. Officials are on scene investigating but w...
24/08/2022

: We’re on scene of a single vehicle rollover on I-85 Northbound at Exit 23. Officials are on scene investigating but we are told at least one patient is being transported. We’re working to get a patient status, we suggest finding an alternate route if planning to travel Northbound I-85 as it is shutdown to a single lane.

20/08/2022

**SHOOTING**

GPD investigating shooting of 9yo male that occurred last night inside a home in 1200 blk of W. 4th Ave

Child has serious injuries

Investigators believe shots fired outside home

No suspect info. Call received at 11:28pm.

Driver Charged with DWI and Death by Motor VehicleOfficers from the Gastonia Police Department have charged 53-year-old ...
18/08/2022

Driver Charged with DWI and Death by Motor Vehicle

Officers from the Gastonia Police Department have charged 53-year-old Ray Charles Weber of Gastonia, with death by motor vehicle, DWI, and other charges after Weber struck 33-year-old Whitney Calhoun of Gastonia with his truck on August 13. Calhoun succumbed to her injuries at the hospital yesterday afternoon.

At approximately 6:15 p.m. on August 13, GPD officers responded to a home in the 1700 block of Davis Park Road for the report of a possible assault. Officers who were at the scene observed a truck turn onto the driveway and the driver did not appear to see Calhoun sitting on the driveway. Officers tried to alert the driver of the truck that Calhoun was sitting on the driveway and get him to stop. The truck continued driving on the driveway, failed to stop, and struck Calhoun. Calhoun was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. She succumbed to her injuries at the hospital yesterday afternoon (August 17). Weber was arrested at the scene and charged with DWI and reckless driving.

After Calhoun’s death yesterday afternoon, officers obtained an arrest warrant for Weber charging him with death by motor vehicle and other charges.

Officers at the scene were given information that no assault occurred prior to Calhoun being struck by Weber’s vehicle. Officers continue to investigate if an assault occurred prior to the officer’s arrival at the scene.

Weber was arrested yesterday evening on the strength of the arrest warrant and transported to the Gaston County Jail. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

05/08/2022

Lowell Police and Gaston County Police Identify Victim in Homicide Investigation

The victim in last night’s homicide has been identified as:

Jose Antonio Jimenez Quinones
H/M
12/21/1969
Gastonia, NC

Due to the circumstances surrounding this on-going investigation, no other information can be released at this point. Anyone who witnessed this incident is encouraged to call the Lowell Police Department at 704-824-8540 or the Gaston County Police at 704-866-3320. Information can also be reported through Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000. Information leading to the arrest of involved parties can result in a reward up to $1,000.

05/08/2022

Lowell Police and Gaston County Police Investigate Homicide

On Thursday August 4th, 2022 at 7:09 pm, multiple local law enforcement agencies responded to the intersection of Redbud Drive & Wilkinson Blvd. in reference to a vehicle accident with injuries.

​Upon arrival, law enforcement officials discovered a multi-vehicle crash. While conducting patient assessments, officers located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Several patients were transported to Caromont Regional Medical Center for treatment. The gunshot victim was pronounced deceased on scene. The victim’s identification is not being released at this point due to the pending family notification.

​Gastonia Police officers located a suspect fleeing the area on foot. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. After consulting with the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, the suspect, who is a juvenile, has been arrested and charged with 2nd degree murder. The suspect is currently in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Due to their age, the suspect’s information is not being released.

​Lowell Police Department is leading the investigation and the Gaston County Police are assisting. Numerous agencies assisted in the initial response including Gastonia Police, Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, Ranlo Police, Cramerton Police, Gaston Emergency Medical Services, Lowell Fire Department, and Ranlo Fire Department.

​The investigation is on-going. Anyone who witnessed this incident is encouraged to call the Lowell Police Department at 704-824-8540 or the Gaston County Police at 704-866-3320. Information can also be reported through Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000. Information leading to the arrest of involved parties can result in a reward up to $1,000.

Address


Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Gaston Talks posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Gaston Talks:

Videos

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Telephone
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Share

Thank you.

As we approach the end of 2019, I want to recap what an eventful year this has been for Gaston Talks. When I started this page, I never thought it would grow to this level under a 17-year-old's guidance and leadership. Yes, I had help along the way whether it was a follower, news reporter, friend, or public official, and I am grateful for the constructive criticism. Stories have spanned from car crashes, to a 12 hour power outage, to teenagers life's being lost due to drowning, or a horrible fall at a trampoline park and a man rolling an inflatable ball across the country to raise awareness to diabetes. This year has been a year of tragedy, sadness, happiness and joy. 2019 is leaving us but the legacy that this year left behind will certainly not be forgotten. 2020 is now upon us, big things are happening this year not only in Gaston County but across the country. The 2020 RNC is coming to Charlotte, a presidential election, cars will drive themselves, 5G Data Networks, the list goes on infinitely. This year also brings new opportunities for us to put our best foot forward and make a difference, this is YOUR year!

I want to thank each and everyone of you for supporting me along this journey. I never thought any of this would be possible, and Gaston Talk continues to grow with your support. I cannot wait to see what 2020 holds for us!