UPDATE:
LINCOLNTON, N.C. – Gastonia Police have arrested the man who kidnapped a Lincoln County woman and forced her to attempt to withdraw money from a bank on Sept. 25.
Gastonia Police charged 42-year-old Reginald Ballard of Lincolnton with felony first degree kidnapping, felonious restraint, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault by pointing a gun and communicating threats as he walked down Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia on Tuesday, Oct. 16.
Off duty Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy D. Hendrix spotted Ballard and flagged a Gastonia Police officer who took Ballard into custody. Ballard was turned over to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detectives and placed in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under no bond.
Ballard will have a first appearance in the Lincoln County District Court on Wednesday, Oct. 17.
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LINCOLNTON, N.C. — Officers were called around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25th to the home of Melissa Lefler at West Highway 27 where she said her boyfriend- 42-year-old Reginald Ballard of Lincolnton, held her against her will. She also said Reginald held a pistol to her head earlier in the afternoon and demanded $5,000.
Lefler first refused, but later drove Ballard to Carolina Trust Bank at 790 West Highway 27 in an attempt to withdraw the money. While at the bank Lefler was able to notify bank employees that they need to call the police. Ballard became suspicious and forced her to drive away from the bank. Lefler drove around the nearby area and returned to the Bi-Lo parking lot across the street. She tricked Ballard into getting out of the car. Lefler then locked the vehicle and began sounding her car horn. Bank employees took notice and called 911.
Ballard immediately fled the area on foot. Deputies then began searching for him using a K-9 and drone surveillance. During that time, a Reverse 911 call went out to the area warning about the incident. Lefler told officers that Ballard is possibly suicidal. He is believed to be armed and dangerous.
Ballard was last seen wearing camouflage clothing. He has long brown hair, which was tied in a ponytail. He is a white male with hazel eyes, weighs around 160 pounds and is six feet tall.
