Gastonia Man Confronts Robber With Shotgun

A Gastonia man who heard a robber in his house said he confronted the intruder with a shotgun Sunday night.

Preston Jeter, 17, is the man victim Kenneth Watson said he found in his home. Brandon Cobb, also 17, was arrested as Jeter’s alleged accomplice.

The two are also suspected of breaking into and robbing the home of one of Watson’s neighbors before coming to his home.

Watson was in his home off Bethany Road when he heard glass breaking and said he saw Jeter come in the door with a hammer.

“I said, 'This guy came to rob me,’ so I grabbed my gun,” Watson said.

Watson said Jeter waved the hammer at him, but dropped it and fled when the homeowner raised his shotgun.

Watson is not sure what kept him from pulling the trigger when the two stood face-to-face.

“I don’t know. Something came over me. I had the gun on him, but I didn’t do it,” he said.