Gastonia, NC (Thursday February 5, 2026): Gaston County Police, with the assistance of Bessemer City Police have identified a suspect in a breaking and entering and arson to Bessemer High School.
Gaston County Police, along with the Bessemer City Police Department, have been investigating an incident that occurred at Bessemer City High School. On February 2nd, 2026, the Bessemer City Police Department responded to a report of a possible fire at Bessemer City High School. When officers arrived, there were signs of a breaking and entering to the school and a fire in the schools press box.
One of the suspects has been identified as a 17-year-old male student. Due to his age, we will not be releasing his name. We have been unable to locate the subject but charges will be filed with the Department of Juvenile Justice. This is an ongoing investigation as we attempt to locate all of the suspects involved.
We would like to thank the Bessemer City Police Department, the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, and the Gaston County Fire Marshal’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det. G. Lancaster at 704 866-3320 or CrimeStoppers at 704 861-8000. There is no other information available at this time.
LINK: