BESSEMER CITY POLICE APPREHEND VIOLENT FUGITIVE
Bessemer City, NC – On May 12, 2026, Officers with the Bessemer City Police Department apprehended Michael Cody Wilson, following a coordinated search effort. Wilson was wanted on multiple felony charges for violent crimes he committed in Kings Mountain. He had been the focus of an active investigation involving regional law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Earlier Tuesday, the Bessemer City Police Department received information from the Gaston County Police/ U. S. Marshals Task Force that Wilson was believed to be traveling in a red Mitsubishi and that the vehicle had recently been detected by a local Flock camera system in the area. Officers immediately began checking the area but were initially unable to locate the vehicle.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Bessemer City Police investigators developed information identifying a possible location associated with Wilson on Davis Street in Bessemer City. Bessemer City Officers responded to the area and located the red Mitsubishi parked outside of a residence. While officers attempted to make contact with Wilson at the home, additional information led them toward a wooded area behind the residence.
Officers quickly established positions around the area and began searching on foot. A short time later, officers located Wilson hiding in dense brush approximately 300 feet from the residence. After verbal commands were issued, Wilson surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Gaston County Jail and served with the following charges:
- Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Four Counts of Felony Second Degree Kidnapping
• Felony First Degree Burglary
• Felony Possession of a Weapon of Mass Destruction
• Misdemeanor Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Misdemeanor Assault on a Female
• Misdemeanor Communicating Threats
Wilson is currently being held at the Gaston County Jail pending first appearance proceedings.
“Our officers responded quickly, worked together, and managed a dangerous situation with professionalism,” said Police Chief Chris Vaughn. “I am proud of the coordinated effort that led to this dangerous individual being taken into custody safely and without incident. Our officers’ actions helped protect our community and prevented this situation from escalating.”
Chief Vaughn also credited the assistance and coordination provided by the Gaston County Police/ U.S. Marshals Task Force during the investigation and apprehension.
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