Gastonia Police Department

09/23/2026

Suspect Armed with a Rifle. Do You Recognize These Two?

It was 3 a.m. on Tuesday, 9/15/26, at 2332 Pineview Lane.

These two suspects were seen walking through neighborhoods, checking vehicles for unlocked doors. In one vehicle, they found and took a handgun. Do you recognize anything about them? You can DM us or drop a tip to Crimestoppers of Gaston at 704-861-8000. You can stay anonymous and collect a reward if they are caught. Note that the suspect in the blue pants is holding what appears to be a rifle.

A quick reminder: Lock your doors and don’t make your car an easy target.

🔒 Lock your vehicle every time — even if it’s parked in your driveway.
🚫 Don’t leave guns or other valuables inside your vehicle.
👀 If you see something suspicious, call us. Don’t confront anyone yourself.

A few seconds to lock your car can make a big difference. Most thieves are looking for the easy opportunity — don’t give them one.

Lock it. Take it. Protect it.

09/23/2026

Gastonia Police will be featured on TV internationally this coming Sunday. Why?

The dramatic train vs. semi-incident here in Gastonia last January during the snowstorm. The incident will be part of this week's episode of "In the Eye of the Storm" on Sunday night on the Discovery Channel/HBO.

Gastonia Police accepted the invitation to talk about the incident to bring more awareness of the dangers at railway crossings.

Railroad tracks are for trains — not walking, playing, exploring, or taking photos. Never use railroad tracks as a place for photos or social media videos. Trains can come from either direction at any time, and they are much closer and moving much faster than they may appear. It can take a freight train, going 55 mph, a mile or more to come to a complete stop.

And if your vehicle ever gets stuck or stalls on railroad tracks, GET OUT and GET AWAY from the vehicle and the tracks immediately — even if you don’t see a train. (Watch the video to see why)

Then:

🔵 FIND THE BLUE AND WHITE SIGN
📞 CALL THE NUMBER ON THE SIGN IMMEDIATELY
🔢 Give the railroad dispatcher the crossing ID number on the sign and tell them exactly what happened.

That blue-and-white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign provides a direct way to contact the railroad and identify your exact location so they can take action. If you cannot find the sign, call 911.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, more than 200 people are killed every year at highway-rail grade crossings in the United States.

A few seconds of caution can make all the difference.

Stay off the tracks. Stay alert. Stay safe.

09/22/2026

National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

On September 25, we pause to remember and honor those whose lives were taken far too soon, and the families and loved ones left behind.

In 2007, Congress designated September 25 as the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, recognizing the importance of honoring victims and supporting those who continue to carry their memory.

We invite our community to come together with us for a special remembrance event as we honor those we have lost and stand alongside their families. Gaston county will hold our vigil on Tuesday 9/29.

💙 Please come out and show your support. Your presence is a simple but powerful way to let families know their loved ones are not forgotten.

More details about the event are below. We hope to see you there.

09/22/2026

Do you have what it takes?

In 2027, the Gastonia Police Department will celebrate 150 years of serving our community. Now, we’re looking for the next generation of officers to help write the next chapter.

Join us for our Open House Hiring Event on Saturday, October 3, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. at the Gastonia Police Department, 200 East Long Ave. Visit Gastoniapolice.org

Laterals are welcome at this event. If you have 2 years experience in North Carolina, you will be eligible for a 15k sign on bonus.

During the open house, you’ll have the opportunity to:
👮 Submit your application
🤝 Participate in an in-person interview
🏃 Complete a physical assessment (watch for a video coming soon with more details)
🏢 Tour the Police Department
🚔 Meet current Gastonia police officers and learn what the job is really like

What to bring:
• Valid driver’s license
• High school or college diploma
• Social Security card
• Workout clothing and running shoes

As you’ll see in this video, Gastonia Police offers opportunities to work with highly specialized teams and units, including our nationally recognized K-9 Team, State Champion SWAT Team, Drone Team, CSI, Patrol, Bomb Team, Detectives, Community Police Unit, and Traffic Investigations.

And the benefits go beyond the badge. Our officers have access to a city clinic for themselves and their families, along with shift differential pay and other benefits.

We have it all.

Your career. Your community. Your next chapter. Come be part of the next 150.

09/21/2026

Our deepest condolences to your department and Officer McCarson’s family from all of us here at the Gastonia Police Department.

It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our own.

Franklin Police Department Officer Marcus McCarson tragically died yesterday, September 17, 2026, in a two-vehicle collision while off-duty doing what he loved: riding his motorcycle.
He was only 21 years of age, and had just begun his law enforcement career with the FPD in December 2025. Before joining law enforcement he served in the United States Marine Corps.
He was a devoted husband to his amazing wife Abby, and became a new father just two months ago to his precious daughter Azzi. He was also very cherished by his own family, as well as, Abby's family who treated him like their own.

Marcus was loved like a little brother by everyone here at the PD. He served the Town of Franklin with the utmost professionalism and integrity for which we are most grateful.

Please keep his family, friends, and our department in your thoughts and prayers during the grieving days ahead.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

The family will receive friends on
Tuesday, September 22nd
11am-1pm at the
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts.

A funeral service will follow at 1pm.
Rev. David Dickerson will officiate.

Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

09/19/2026

Ready for a change and a challenge? We are HIRING!

When? October 3rd Open House at 200 East Long Ave.

Come join the GPD family! Our training, teamwork, and commitment to serving our community are what make the Gastonia Police Department a top department.
Take the next step in your career and apply online today!

👉 www.gastoniapd.org

09/17/2026

18 pounds of co***ne, with an estimated street value of $580,000, is seized!

The Gastonia Police Department partnered with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to investigate suspected drug activity involving Robbie Leon McCall.

The investigation led to a traffic stop on September 15. During a search conducted by Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies, approximately 5 kilos of co***ne were seized, and McCall was arrested. Investigators then executed a search warrant at McCall’s home in Iron Station, where they seized approximately 3 additional kilos of co***ne, 4 pounds of ma*****na, and two handguns.

In total, approximately 8 kilos, or almost 18 pounds, of co***ne were seized during the investigation.

McCall has been charged with multiple counts of trafficking co***ne, possession with intent to distribute ma*****na, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He is being held in the Lincoln County Jail without bond.

09/17/2026

Roads will be impacted for another 15 minutes in Gaston County as POTUS leaves for Charlotte.

09/16/2026

Many roads near the interstate have reopened for the time being. Roads around the airport remain closed under heavy Police and Secret Service presence. Roads will lock down again when POTUS leaves, we will update you here.

09/16/2026

Suspect in Chase Caught

A police pursuit that started in north Charlotte this afternoon and crossed at high speeds through Gaston County/Gastonia on I-85 south has ended just west of Spartanburg, SC. The suspect is in custody. In the video you can see the red four-door pickup driving at high speeds through Gaston County/Gastonia traffic, sometimes on the shoulder. A police helicopter followed the chase into SC.