Latest news with #BelmontPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Man killed in wrong-way crash on I-85 in Gastonia
One person was killed after a wrong-way crash on Interstate 85 in Gastonia early Friday morning. The Lowell Fire Department says the crash happened just before 1:30 a.m. on northbound I-85 near the Belmont Abbey exit. Police said a Hyundai Elantra was traveling in the wrong direction when it crashed into a Mercedes Sprinter van. First responders found one of the victims trapped inside the Elantra, and they weren't breathing. The victim was taken to the hospital but died from their injuries. The driver in the Sprinter van was taken to the hospital. The victim was identified as 23-year-old Jorge Narino of Charlotte. It's not clear what led to the crash or why one of the drivers was going the wrong way. The Belmont Police Department says they're investigating what happened. I-85 was blocked for several hours but has since reopened. (VIDEO: 'Unreal': Teen driver ejected after SUV crashes into Gastonia home)
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Daily Mail
California is hiring MIGRANTS as cops...including Brazilian bosses 'knew had beaten his wife'
A police department in California hired a migrant who has been arrested for rape despite knowing he had previously been apprehended for domestic violence. Felipe Gomes, a Brazilian migrant, was hired by the Belmont Police Department in the last few months, despite his 2017 arrest for allegedly hitting his wife, according to ABC7. Just last week, the department had to terminate his position after he was arrested on suspicion of committing forcible rape. The outlet reported that Belmont Police Chief Ken Stenquist had been informed of Gomes' arrest in 2017, but decided to hire him anyway. Sources said that the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and East Palo Alto Police had called warning Stenquist of his arrest and that they had rejected his attempts to be a police officer. A former commander in San Francisco told the outlet: 'When a department head calls you and says something's wrong, take a closer look or don't hire someone, you should take a closer look.' Under state law he is allowed to serve as a police officer in California after new legislation was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022. Bill SB-960 changed the law to allow non-citizens with valid work authorization to become police officers. Gomes has a work permit, sources told ABC. Only four months ago Gomes had been introduced as one of their new recruits by Belmont Police Chief Ken Stenquist. He said: 'He was in the Brazilian Air Force and part of their Air Force Police. He was a full-time police soldier and left that position when he moved to the United States. 'He enjoys practicing jiu jitsu and attending church when he's not working.' The rape incident is said to have occurred when Gomes was off-duty, police said while they declined to comment further. In a charging affidavit related to the 2017 incident, Gomes is said to have seen texts on his wife's phone from her ex. He is then alleged to have struck her repeatedly in the face and the stomach, an officer said his wife was left with a large bruise over her face and scratches to her cheek. The record indicates that Gomes had accused her of hitting and scratching him first, forcing the state attorney to charge both of them with battery and domestic violence. The charges against the couple were then dropped a month later. In an email to ABC7, Chief Stenquist stood by his decision to employ Gomes despite the arrest. He said: 'Past law enforcement contact that does not result in charges are not disqualifying in of itself under policies or applicable law.' Rich Corriea, a former San Francisco Police Commander, added: 'In these special victim domestic violence cases, they're often, the charges are dropped. 'They're dropped because the victims have a change of heart all number-- any number of reasons.' Corriea told the outlet that in this case Gomes should have been disqualified even though the case was dropped. He added: 'You don't want someone who in a family setting, you know, violence is a place they can escalate to. You want just the opposite. You want natural de-escalators.' Following his arrest last week, Gomes was booked into the San Mateo County Jail before being released on $100,000 bail bond. He is set to be at the San Mateo County Superior Court for an arraignment on May 21.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man steals from Belmont Walgreens, leads police on chase into Charlotte before arrest
BELMONT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A man has been arrested after allegedly stealing from a Belmont in Walgreens and leading police on a chase, which ended in Charlotte, according to the Belmont Police Department. Around 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, 35-year-old Eugene Cuthbertson entered the Walgreens in Belmont. He reportedly went straight to the fragrance counter, and after failing to open a locked display case, he kicked and shattered the glass door. Officials said Cuthbertson stole several perfumes and colognes valued at $2,356.78. When he left the store, he got in a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox and intentionally rammed into a Belmont Police Officer's vehicle before leading officers on a high-speed chase into Charlotte. The pursuit ended in south Charlotte at Old Pineville Road and Archdale Drive when Cuthbertson crashed into two other vehicles. Officers apprehended Cuthbertson after a brief foot chase. Authorities said Cuthbertson was taken to a local hospital with right shoulder pain. No officers or civilians were injured in the incident. Once he is released from the hospital, Cuthbertson will be transported to the Gaston County Jail and charged with; Felony flee to elude Assault on a law enforcement official Felony larceny Driving while license revoked Damage to property Careless and reckless driving According to police, Cuthbertson is currently wanted in the National Crime Informatoin Center (NCIC) database with full extradition for felony conspiracy, felony flee to elude, and probation violation out of Mecklenburg County. 'The Belmont Police Department extends its gratitude to the assisting agencies for their support and efforts in ensuring a swift and safe resolution to this incident,' Belmont Police said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Belmont man arrested after Walgreens theft, high-speed chase ending in Charlotte crash
A Belmont man was arrested after allegedly stealing from a Walgreens and leading police on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash in Charlotte on Wednesday. Walmart shoppers shocked after driver rams several cars fleeing from police Travis Eugene Cuthbertson, 35, was taken into custody by the Belmont Police Department following a series of criminal acts that began with a theft at a local Walgreens. Cuthbertson reportedly shattered a glass display case at the store, stealing perfumes and colognes valued at $2,356, before fleeing in a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The incident escalated when Cuthbertson rammed a Belmont Police officer's vehicle while attempting to escape, prompting a high-speed pursuit into Charlotte. The chase ended at the intersection of Old Pineville Road and Archdale Drive, where Cuthbertson collided with two other vehicles before attempting to flee on foot. Officers quickly apprehended Cuthbertson, who was then transported to Atrium Health CMC Main after complaining of right shoulder pain. Despite his complaint, he sustained no visible injuries, and no officers or civilians were harmed during the incident. A records check revealed that Cuthbertson is currently wanted in the National Crime Information Center database with full extradition for charges including felony conspiracy, felony flee to elude, and probation violation out of Mecklenburg County. After his release from the hospital, Cuthbertson will be transported to the Gaston County Jail where he will face multiple charges, including: Felony Flee to Elude Assault on a Law Enforcement Official Felony Larceny Driving While License Revoked Damage to Property Careless and Reckless Driving VIDEO: Suspect denied plea deal in Belmont man's disappearance
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I-85 South in Belmont reopen after crash
BELMONT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — I-85 South towards Gastonia was closed due to an accident, according to the Belmont Police Department. The crash was reported around 9:45 a.m. near Belmont Mt. Holly Road. NCDOT said the two left lanes were closed near Exit 26. 🚗 Track issues along your commute with the QCN Traffic Interactive Map Queen City News saw the crash off to the side and the roadway open around 11 a.m. It is unclear if anyone was injured in the accident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
