By Dave Faherty for WSOCTV
“NEWTON, NC – At approximately 1:14 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, the Newton Police Department received a call in reference to a possible kidnapping and shooting that occurred at the Love’s Travel Stop, 1760 Southfork Drive, Newton, NC 28658.
When officers arrived on scene, they located a vehicle that had struck a utility pole. Inside the vehicle was a man who had sustained several gunshot wounds and an infant who appeared uninjured. The man was removed from the vehicle, and life-saving efforts were started. He was transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, from which he was airlifted to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. The infant and another involved female were transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The preliminary investigation indicates the male victim came to the area to meet with another individual. Upon arriving at the travel stop, an armed gunman entered the backseat of the victim’s vehicle and pointed a gun at the victim. A second gunman attempted to pull a passenger from the vehicle. The victim began driving away, and the passenger was ejected from the vehicle.
At this time, the names of the involved individuals are not being released due to safety concerns.
The investigation of this incident is ongoing and active. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may be able to provide any additional information is asked to contact Investigator C. Davis with the Newton Police Department at (828) 465-7430 or cdavis@newtonnc.gov.
Agencies/organizations involved: Newton Police Department, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, State Bureau of Investigation, Maiden Police Department, Newton Fire Department, Catawba County Emergency Medical Services, and Catawba County 911.”