GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Police are searching for a man they say may have shot at officers who were trying to serve an arrest warrant on Sunday.
Officers with the Gaston County Police Department and Stanley Police Department attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Joel Puckett, 54, who was wanted for breaking and entering and several other charges.
When officers approached Puckett at a home on Hollycrest Lane in Gastonia, they said a shot was fired in their direction from the home. Police took cover and called for assistance, according to the police department.
Investigators began searching the area for the shooting suspect. Police have not confirmed that Puckett was the one who fired the shot at police.
Officers searched the area near Stanley-Spencer Mountain Road and Hollycrest Lane for the suspect but were unable to locate him. Residents in the area are advised to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Gaston County Police Department's non-emergency line at (704) 866-3300
More information will be provided when it is available.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshots of the suspects in this case because Joel Puckett is wanted by police.