An armed robbery at a Waffle House in Gastonia resulted in a large police chase and a shootout between police and the robbery suspect.
According to Gastonia Police, a “black male suspect” robbed the Waffle House on Franlkin Blvd this evening at about 6:30pm. The suspect then drove away in a black Doge Ram pickup truck with a USMC sticker on the back.
Police pursued the suspect to a neighborhood off West Rankin Road when the suspect began firing at officers. Gastonia Police then returned fire and the suspect once again fled in his truck. officers located truck in area of W. Rankin Ave near N. King St. Suspect fired at officers, & GPD officers returned fire.
Gastonia Police will continue to post updates about the incident on their Twitter account as new information is confirmed:
CONTINUED:
Expect a heavy police presence in area of W. Rankin Ave near N. King St. & avoid the area if possible.
Initial call for armed robbery received at 6:32 pm.
Updates posted as info is confirmed.
PIO headed to scene.
— Gastonia Police (@GPDNC) December 30, 2021
Police are warning locals to avoid the area around West Rankin Ave near North King Street.
UPDATE 9:40pm 12/29/2021:
According to Gastonia Police, “The suspect remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone who sees the suspect’s black Dodge Ram truck that is dark on the top half and possibly white or silver on the bottom half, with a USMC sticker on the back window, and a non-functioning left taillight should immediately call 9-1-1 and NOT take any enforcement action on their own.”