GASTONIA, N.C. — A beloved Gastonia Tattoo artist has died and a Gaston County Police officer is in the hospital after a crash on Saturday night.
The crash happened just a few miles away from Randy Herring’s shop Skin Art where Herring shared his passion for art and mentored many future tattoo artists. Loved ones said while Herring may be gone his mark on the world was indelible.
“It’s a huge industry but a small family and you have to show respect to those who built it, who came before us,” Made to Last Tattoo Co-Owner Chris Stuart said. “Without Randy, there would not be me, this shop and so many shops in North Carolina."
The deadly crash happened while the officer was responding to a shooting call outside of Bessemer City.
“We are heartbroken for the family,” Chief Stephen Zill said in a statement.
According to the Gaston County Police Department, officers received information that a person had been shot in the 100 block of Davis Road around 10 p.m.
It was reported that both the shooting victim, who had non-life-threatening injuries, and the suspect were still on scene at the residence.
Gaston County said a county police officer was responding to the incident, with their blue lights and siren activated, when the crash happened.
Police said the crash, which happened near the intersection of West Franklin Boulevard and Webb Street, resulted in the death of a citizen and the hospitalization of an officer.
Brittany Thomas told WCNC Charlotte her father, Herring was on his way home from work. She said his truck was destroyed in the crash and he was taken to the hospital where he died. Her family is left with many questions.
“I don't know how fast this man [officer] was going to do so much damage,” Thomas said. “It's been pretty hard because we've never had to do anything like this before ... he's always been there. We can't do a call and say 'hey, dad.'”
She described him as a good man with a big heart who cherished spending time with his kids and grandchildren.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. We ask for the community to keep the family and our officer in their thoughts as we work though the investigation,” Zill said.
Herring was also a mentor and inspiration to many artists who picked up the ink and studied under him.
“As soon as I walked into that shop and met Randy, the magic, the toughness and the allure of it drew me right in,” Stuart said. Stuart got his first set of ink done by Herring and was one of his mentees.
Now the owner of his own shop for over 7 years. He said Herring taught him the spirit of the ink.
“I take pride in every single tattoo I do,” Stuart said. “You’re leaving something with somebody forever and with Randy, it was that bond.”
Stuart called Herring his "Tattoo father" who showed him the way and the importance of hard work. Stuart said his love for art started at a very young age and Herring was able to bring his art to life and he will cherish him forever.
“I have one item from Randy and this shop is decorated with all of my collections, valuable art and there’s one piece, and I tell the guys if the shop burns down there’s one item I will save,” Stuart said as he pointed to a Lyle Tuttle sweater, framed on his wall. “That’s the one item I have from him and I will hold on to it forever.”
The Gastonia Police Department, which is a separate department from Gaston County Police, is investigating the crash.
"At this point, investigators say a Gaston County Police Officer was responding to a call for service when the crash occurred involving a citizen of Gaston County," the Gaston County Police Department said, adding, "The driver of the other vehicle was killed in the crash."
Gastonia PD extended thoughts and prayers to the families involved. The Gaston County Police Department is conducting an internal review.
On Sunday, Gaston County Police provided more information to WCNC Charlotte about the shooting investigation the officer was responding to at the time of the crash. Investigators determined the shooting resulted from an "argument between family members."
Gaston County Police clarified there is no known elevated risk to the public or neighbors in the area.
Nobody has been arrested in the shooting case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gaston County Police at 704-866-3320 or Crime Stoppers at 704-861-8000.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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