Gastonia Police Department

Gastonia Police traffic investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying additional witnesses to a fatal hit and run crash that occurred on Tuesday, June 9, at approximately 8:45 p.m. at the intersection of West Walnut Avenue and North Ransom Street.

The crash claimed the life of 46-year-old Christopher McAllister, who was riding a moped when he was struck.

Investigators are searching for a gray or dark SUV, that may have sustained moderate front-end damage.

Investigators are actively reviewing surveillance footage through the Gastonia Police Real Time Crime Center and examining camera footage from surrounding streets in an effort to identify the vehicle involved.

Anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle is urged to contact Officer Eichelberger at 704-866-6702. Even the smallest detail could help move this investigation forward.

HOT CAR warning! The heat index is 103-105 this weekend. Please never leave your children or pets in a car for any reason for any amount of time.

When it’s 95 degrees outside, it’ll be 114 in your car within 10 minutes. In 30 minutes it’ll be close to 135 degrees.

Be safe.

Bragging rights on the softball field belong to Gastonia Police… at least until next year! 🚔🥎

The annual Battle of the Badges charity softball game ended with Gastonia Police defeating Gastonia Fire 8-5. But we’ll give credit where it’s due — the firefighters dominated the rest of the competition, sweeping the tug-of-war, relay race, and dizzy bat events. 🚒💪

The temperatures were hot, the competition was friendly, and the community support was incredible. Most importantly, the event helped raise money for Special Olympics Gaston County, an organization that does amazing work for local athletes.

Thank you to everyone who came out, cheered, donated, and supported this great cause. We appreciate our friends at Gastonia Fire Department for another fun Battle of the Badges and look forward to doing it all again next year!

Look for many of the event highlights dropping on both social medias next week, in the meantime, here’s a few photos of tonight’s fun.

Drink plenty of water before you come out to watch us beat the Firefighters in the Battle of the Badges Charity Softball game! It’s going to be a hot one! Sims Legion Field, the fun starts at 5:30-6:45 and the game starts at 7:00.

The Gastonia Police Department is cheering on Ashbrook High School graduate and Gastonia native Camryn Massey as she competes in the discus at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championship Finals this Saturday, June 13, in Eugene, Oregon.

Camryn has already made our community proud through her hard work, dedication, and athletic achievements. Now she’ll take the national stage against some of the best collegiate athletes in the country.

The competition will air on ESPN at 2:30 p.m. EDT.

Join us in wishing Camryn the very best as she represents Gastonia and continues to chase excellence. We’re proud of you, Camryn! 💪🥏

We hope to see you tomorrow night at 5:30 at the "Battle of the Badges" Charity Softball Game! Please hydrate, it is going to be very warm at game time. Here are some photos from the big Police win last year…

When: Friday, June 12
Where: Sims Legion Park in Gastonia
Time: Gates open at 5:30
Cost: Free admission
Raffle: A PlayStation 5, tickets are $5
Food: Food trucks
Charity: Special Olympics of Gaston County
Kids' entertainment: Bounce house, fire trucks, and SWAT vehicle

Special Olympics Athletes play wiffle ball at 5:45.

National Anthem and first pitch: Bailey Marie

Gastonia Police Chief Trent Conard and Gaston County Police Chief Stephen Zill recently appeared on WBTV Ch 3 together to discuss the ongoing opioid crisis impacting Gaston County and surrounding communities.

During the interview, both chiefs highlighted the serious and far-reaching effects of opioid addiction, while also focusing on the importance of community awareness, prevention, and early intervention. They emphasized that education is one of the strongest tools we have—especially when it comes to reaching young people before they are exposed to the dangers of drug use.

They also shared information about local resources available to individuals and families who may be struggling, including treatment options, support services, and ways the community can step in to help save lives.

The message was clear: this is a community issue that requires a community response. Through awareness, education, and access to resources, there is hope to make a real difference in preventing substance abuse and supporting recovery across Gaston County. Thank you WBTV for bringing attention to this topic. It’s important.