GASTONIA, N.C. — A man is in custody after the Gastonia Police Department said a woman was shot and killed Friday night.
The department said the shooting was reported around 9:30 p.m., and officers responded to a home on Spring Valley Drive near Newcastle Road to investigate.
Megan Michelle Tate, 33, was found dead from a gunshot wound inside the home, according to police.
Officers identified Shiquan Eleek Ratchford, 22, as the suspect who shot Tate and learned that he fled the apartment immediately after shooting her.
Ratchford was later arrested without incident, police said. The handgun that Ratchford is believed to have used to shoot Tate was located by a K9 unit from an assisting law enforcement agency behind a church on Shannon Bradley Road.
Ratchford is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to police. He is being held without bond.
Gastonia Police has promised more information and updates as soon as details are confirmed. Check back later for the latest from WCNC Charlotte.
PODCASTS FROM WCNC CHARLOTTE
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
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.