Police charge 2 after Gaston Co. bank robbery

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Police arrested and charged two Gastonia men after a robbery at the PNC Bank on New Hope Road in Gaston County.

The bank is near the Gaston, Cramerton and Lowell city limits. At the time of the robbery, police from all three departments and Gaston County police were nearby.

Jalen Christopher Davidson, 18, and Kevin Lee Long Jr., 19, were taken into custody on nearby King Arthur Drive. Some neighbors said they saw the arrests.

Christy Harris said right after the suspects' car parked up the street, police showed up and arrested the men at gunpoint.

"When you are talking about an armed, possibly suspect from a bank robbery, it elevates it even more," said Capt. Jay Human with Gaston County police.

Police said one of the men went into the bank with a gun. He left in a car with the other suspect, investigators said. Someone saw the car as it took off and called 911.

"At least three (or) four different jurisdictions in this area that were on scene within literally moments of the call going out," Human said.

Both suspects were charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Long was also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.

Neighbors were surprised to hear of the incident.

"I had no idea what was going on until I heard a rumor that there was a bank robbery," Raymond Standridge said.

"That's crazy," Shawn Pilkington said.

A third man was later released by police and no charges were filed against him.

WSOC