What began as an armed robbery in Cleveland County around lunchtime Thursday (Nov. 18th) ended as a shootout with the suspect in Gaston County resulting in his death. The slain man's identity was released Friday.  He was 54-year-old Chucky Nathaniel Bowden of South Mountain St. in Cherryville.  

Shortly after the robbery occurred, the Cherryville Police Department encountered the suspect while conducting a follow-up investigation to the Cleveland County incident.  The suspect fled in a vehicle which he crashed on Highway 279 near Dick Beam Rd.  After a pursuit on foot, the Cherryville Police encountered Bowdenand shots were fired.

He then fled on foot and officers from other departments joined in the effort.  During the search, police received a report that the suspect was at Creekside Market Deli, 105 Coho Road just off Tryon Courthouse Road, between Bessemer City & Cherryville.

Gastonia Police, Gaston County Sherriff’s deputies and Gaston County Police approached the store where the suspect had taken hostages.  Shots were fired which resulted in fatal injuries to the suspect.  No hostages or law enforcement officers were injured.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations is investigating both of the officer involved shootings.  The identity of the man was released Friday afternoon. 

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Gaston County Police Detective T. Pilkington at 704-866-3320 or Gaston County CrimesStoppers at 704-861-8000.