A quiet Wednesday morning near downtown Gastonia turned tense when residents were told to get out of their homes as police responded to a reported barricade involving an individual said to be armed. Officers quickly blocked off a small residential stretch, pushed people back from nearby houses, and brought in emergency crews, creating a heavy law-enforcement presence that briefly tied up traffic in the area.
According to WBTV, the situation started around 9:30 a.m. near North Pryor Street and Airline Avenue, where Gastonia police said a person was barricaded with a weapon. Officers ordered evacuations along the affected residential street and set up a command center at North Pryor Street and Davidson Avenue to coordinate the response. As of the time of WBTV's report, it was not clear whether anyone had been hurt.
Police Set Up Command Post
Police formed a perimeter around the block and used the nearby command post to manage the operation and keep people out of harm’s way while negotiators and specialized units handled the barricade. A standoff ended peacefully in a similar incident last year, a reminder that city and regional teams regularly coordinate on these high-stakes calls.
Where This Happened
The evacuated block sits just outside downtown Gastonia, only a few blocks from Highway 321, so the closures briefly rippled onto local routes as officers controlled traffic. WBTV reported that authorities continued to monitor the scene into midday while investigators worked to gather more information.
Where To Get Official Updates
By midday, Gastonia police had not released additional details, leaving neighbors waiting for word on when they could safely return. Residents are urged to rely on official channels rather than rumors circulating in the neighborhood or online. For the latest updates and safety guidance, visit the Gastonia Police website.
