GASTONIA, N.C. — A Bessemer City man is facing charges in connection with the armed robbery of approximately $80,000 worth of jewelry from a Gastonia Kohl's in mid-January, police said.
Gastonia police responded to an armed robbery at Kohl's on East Franklin Boulevard on Jan. 17. Surveillance video showed the suspect, identified as 31-year-old James Randall Willard, smashing a jewelry case that had several wedding rings and other items. The suspect then pepper-sprayed an employee who approached him.
Willard was in jail in another county on unrelated charges when detectives identified him as the suspect, according to the Gastonia Police Department. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Willard in connection with the robbery. He's being held in the Gaston County Jail under a $52,000 bond.
A similar robbery was reported at Kohl's in Matthews in January 2022. A suspect who stole approximately $51,000 worth of jewelry was arrested in February.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.