Jackson Bonham – A deadly shooting involving Gastonia Police officers occurred Thursday night at a residence on Hickory Hollow Road. Authorities responded to a report of an assault around 10:32 p.m. and arrived at the scene to find a man in the driveway. The man informed officers that the alleged suspect was inside the house, armed, and had already discharged at least one round.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Jackson Bonham, reportedly fired on the officers using a rifle from the back of the home. In response, multiple officers returned fire, fatally striking Bonham. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thankfully, no officers were injured during the confrontation.
As is standard protocol in incidents involving officer-involved shootings, all police personnel who discharged their weapons have been placed on paid administrative leave while the case is being reviewed. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has taken over the investigation into the shooting to ensure a thorough and impartial review of the events.
A press conference addressing the incident is scheduled for this morning, and authorities have indicated that further details may be released as the investigation continues.
The Gastonia Police Department has not released additional information about what led up to the assault report or whether Bonham had any prior interactions with law enforcement. Updates will be provided as more facts emerge from the ongoing investigation.
