Officers charge man accused of robbing Gastonia Waffle House, shooting at police

GASTONIA, N.C. — The man wanted in connection with two armed robberies and shooting at police in Gastonia has been arrested, police said.

Officers said they took Charles Thomas Cole, 33, into custody Thursday night after finding his vehicle parked in front of a home on North Pryor Street. Authorities said they found Cole inside, along with evidence from the robberies.

On Wednesday, Gastonia police officers said they received a call about an armed robbery at the Waffle House on West Franklin Boulevard shortly after 6:30 p.m. They said the suspect, later identified as Cole, threatened and robbed a 67-year-old woman outside of the Waffle House and then went inside and robbed the business.

Police said Cole left the scene in a black or dark-green four-door Dodge Ram truck with white or silver on the bottom half of the vehicle. The truck also had a left taillight that was out and a U.S. Marine Corps sticker on the back.

The truck was later found on West Rankin Avenue near North King Street. Police said after they found the truck, Cole fired at officers and the officers returned fire. Cole then left the scene again in the same truck, according to reports.

Police said no officers were hurt during the incident.

Officials said that they believe Cole may have also committed an armed robbery at a Gastonia law office.

On Dec. 17, police were called to the law office of Kelvin Atkinson in the 100 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way for a reported armed robbery.

Investigators said the robber approached a 40-year-old man and 37-year-old woman outside of the office building, threatened them with a handgun and stole their belongings.

Cole has been charged with seven counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of attempted first-degree murder (government officials), first-degree kidnapping, two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and larceny of a firearm.

He is being held with bail set at $5 million.

“We are thankful for the peaceful arrest of Mr. Cole. The incidents leading up to his arrest show the dangers that our officers face. We appreciate the support of the public and dedication of our staff,” said Chief Travis Brittain.

No other details have been released at this point. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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