Residents of Cleveland County were rocked by an alarming incident over the weekend when a local man, reportedly affiliated with a gang, was accused of kidnapping a woman at gunpoint. According to the WBTV report, the suspect, Thomas Lowery III, was said to have abducted the woman from her home on Biggers Lake Road in Shelby on Saturday, and later found with the victim in Gaston County.
Law enforcement quickly to intervene and Lowery was arrested the same day. It was noted that there had been a history of domestic assault between Lowery and the kidnapped woman. In a statement obtained by QC News, authorities detailed the charges against Lowery, which include first and second-degree kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, and multiple assault-related offenses.
The criminal investigation led officers to not only locate and arrest the suspect but also to seize illegal substances and weapons. Deputies found 150 grams of cocaine and a pistol at Lowery’s residence. Given his status as a convicted felon, Lowery was prohibited from having firearms. This discovery could lead to additional charges being filed against Lowery in Gaston County.
Both victims of the incident were confirmed to be safe following his arrest. "This arrest led to a violent gang member being taken off the street," the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office announced, hinting at the potential to abruptly reduce further illegal activities and violence in the community. According to a WCNC report, the operation included coordination between Cleveland County and Gaston County law enforcement agencies.
The authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in this and other investigations aimed at maintaining public safety.
