CHERRYVILLE, N.C. — Gaston County Police confirmed an armed robbery suspect has been shot and killed by officers in Cherryville. It happened after the suspect held hostages inside a small convenience store Thursday night, according to authorities.
It started with an armed robbery around lunchtime Thursday in Cleveland County, according to the Gaston County Police Department. After the armed robbery, the suspect, later identified as Chucky Nathanial Bowden, fled the scene.
Shortly after the robbery, officers with the Cherryville Police Department encountered Bowden, who then fled in a vehicle. Cherryville police and several other agencies chased the suspect until the suspect crashed on Highway 279 near Dick Beam Road.
After the crash, Bowden is accused of getting out of the vehicle and running from the officers. The Gaston County Police Department said Cherryville Police encountered Bowden after a chase and shots were fired, though police have not clarified who fired these shots.
"It's too early to give an idea or even to state who fired and how many people fired or how many shots," Gaston County Police Chief Joseph Ramey said. "All of that is something that the SBI will have to determine in their investigation."
Police said Bowden continued running after this, and an "extensive search ensued." During this time, officers learned Bowden might be at Creekside Market Deli between Bessemer City and Cherryville in Gaston County.
Gastonia Police, the Gaston County Sheriff's Office, and Gaston County Police approached the store and encountered Bowden, who had hostages inside. Police said at this point, Bowden was fatally shot by police.
“I heard a single gunshot and then I heard pow, pow, pow, pow, pow," neighbor Mary Bryan said.
She lives just feet away from Creekside Market Deli and says she was concerned for those who were still inside with the suspect.
“The women and children run out and then right after that is when I heard the officer say open the door," Bryan said.
Investigators say no other officers or people were hurt in the robbery. The officers involved in both shootings will be placed on standard administrative leave as the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations takes over the case.
Gaston County Police have not released further information on if the suspect fired any shots, but no hostages or law enforcement officers were injured.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations is investigating both officer-involved shootings that took place during this incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Gaston County Police at 704-866-3320 or CrimeStoppers at 704-861-8000.
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