A woman wanted in connection with a shooting into occupied property in Gastonia has been taken into custody in a neighboring city. Valeria Chaidez was arrested in Belmont, roughly nine miles east of Gastonia, and now faces a stack of felony and misdemeanor charges tied to the gunfire incident.
According to Gastonia Police Department, Chaidez had been wanted on firearm-discharge and injury-to-property charges. Chaidez was arrested in Belmont.
The U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force operates across 32 North Carolina counties, including Gaston County, specifically to help local police departments track and arrest violent or fugitive offenders, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Belmont, where Chaidez was ultimately found, is a suburban municipality in Gaston County located about nine miles east of Gastonia, according to Wikipedia.
What the Charges Actually Carry
The lead charge against Chaidez, discharging a weapon into occupied property, falls under North Carolina General Statute § 14-34.1. Willfully discharging a firearm into an occupied building, vehicle, or structure is classified as a Class E felony under state law, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 63 months, according to the North Carolina General Assembly. If the targeted property turns out to have been an occupied dwelling or an operating vehicle, the same statute elevates the offense to a Class D felony.
Chaidez also faces two counts of injury to personal property.
Chaidez is also charged with discharging a firearm within city limits.
Chaidez faces firearm-discharge and injury-to-property charges.
Key details of the underlying incident remain unknown, including the specific location where the shots were fired, whether the target was a dwelling or a vehicle, the extent of the property damage, and whether anyone was injured.
The Gastonia Police Department also has a Real Time Crime Center.
