GASTONIA, N.C. — The owner of a Chinese restaurant in Gastonia was shot during an armed robbery on Sunday night, police said.
Gastonia Police responded to a reported break-in at the China City restaurant on Davis Park Road a little after 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. When officers arrived, they were told that two suspects had broken into a rear entrance at closing time.
The suspects then forced all of the restaurant's employees into the dining area and emptied the cash register. The suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of money, detectives said.
During the incident, one of the business owners was shot, police said. The victim was taken to a Charlotte hospital where he is recovering.
The victim's wife spoke to WCNC Charlotte over the phone. She said her husband was shot in the leg and had to get surgery but is expected to be physically okay.
Meanwhile, this is a beloved place in the community and people have been stopping by throughout the day to show their support.
“These people are good people,” Gastonia resident Joey Gossett said. “I just don’t understand why somebody would do something like this.”
Monday’s visit was different from others for Gossett as he taped a note to the window offering his deepest sympathy.
“I just wanted to put a letter up to let them know we praying for them and how much we appreciate them,” Gossett said.
People who live in the area say crime is a growing concern, as it is in so many other places.
“Just a lot of senselessness going on,” Gastonia resident Ashley Rawlinson said. “It’s really sad and it is scary because I don’t stay far from here myself.”
“My ex-neighbor used to work at the Family Dollar and she’s been robbed in the past year. The Little Caesars has been robbed,” Gossett said. “It’s just unfortunate that this community has to succumb to this kind of stuff.”
Resident David Mason just learning of the news held a fist outside China City offering his support.
“They just seemed to be nice people,” Mason said. “We enjoyed their food and they have been somewhat of a blessing to us.”
The hurt and pain reached beyond the glass doors of the restaurant.
“Violence has got to stop, it’s with the younger people, the older people, violence just has to stop,” Gossett said.
No arrests have been made. Meanwhile, police are now offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information on the case.
Anyone can call the Gastonia Police Department at (704) 866-6702 and remain anonymous. Tips can also be called in to Crime Stoppers at (704) 861-8000
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