Gastonia Police Arrest Man Accused Of Stealing Woman’s Purse At A Gas Station

The Latest:

Police say Deshawn Baxter, 21, is under arrest for his involvement in a robbery at a gas station in Gastonia. The suspect was wanted for stealing a woman’s purse on June 21st at a QuikTrip, after approaching her to ask for baby formula, then pointing a gun on someone else attempting to help.

Deshawn Baxter

Baxter is charged with Robbery, Assault By Pointing A Gun, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon in this case, according to a news release.

The Gastonia Police Department thanks the public for its assistance in providing tips, that helped in identifying Baxter in this case.

The Original (6/22/21):

GASTONIA, N.C. — Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man accused of stealing a woman’s purse in the parking lot of a Gastonia gas station early Monday.

Police responded to a QuikTrip, located on East Long Avenue, around 12:40 a.m. after a call about a woman being robbed in the parking lot. According to police, as the victim was leaving her car with her baby, a man approached her to ask for baby formula. 
As she began looking for the formula, the suspect grabbed her purse, ripped it off her shoulder, and began running behind the store.

According to detectives, a Good Samaritan pursued the man, but the suspect then pointed a firearm at them.

The suspect has been described as a black man that was wearing a black hoodie with Reebok logo, black pants and white shoes during the time of the robbery.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the incident is asked to call Sgt. DiYorio at 704-866-6886.