A 57-year-old man faces burglary charges after being shot while attempting to force his way into a Gastonia home on July 12, according to local authorities.
Gastonia Police reported that Cedric Ford and his girlfriend, 47-year-old Sanja Stallings, initially called 911 claiming Ford was shot in a drive-by incident at a local intersection. Investigators disproved the claim using localized audio detection technology, which led officers to a residence on Ware Avenue.
“Detectives utilized Flock Safety’s Audio Detection system, which identified the sound of a gunshot at approximately 7:14 a.m. within roughly 100 feet of the Ware Avenue address that had reported the crime,” the department stated. “Detectives responded to that location and spoke with the homeowner, an elderly disabled resident who reported being the victim of multiple burglaries and robberies within the previous month involving the suspects.”
Police said further investigation revealed Ford was shot while trying to enter the home.
“Through the course of the investigation, detectives determined that Ford was attempting to break into the residence at approximately 7:13 a.m. when the homeowner fired a single round through a window, striking Ford,” police said.
The resident, 74-year-old Donald Bolynn, told WBTV that despite having hearing loss and other health issues, he heard someone forcing entry into his house. Bolynn said he initially saw nothing, but then spotted Ford at the window.
“That’s when I got my gun and shot,” Bolynn told WBTV.
Ford and Stallings have both been charged with first-degree burglary. Gastonia Police confirmed that Bolynn will not face charges.
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