Tattoo Artist Killed In Crash With Police Officer

GASTON CO., N.C. – A local community wants answers after a deadly crash claimed the life of a beloved tattoo artist. Randy Herring was on his way home after dropping off a co-worker over the weekend, when a Gaston County Police car hit his truck. Colleague and friend Mike Clark says, “This is hard to process. Just never imagine it being like this.”

An irreplaceable loss is how people describe the tragic death of Randy Herring. “He was so open and caring and friendly and, you know, never really met a stranger,” says Clark.

For nearly 30 years, Skin Art by Randy has been a staple in Gastonia for those looking to express themselves through body art. Clark says, “Seeing his work over the years made me definitely want to be a better artist and tattooer.”

Herring’s life was cut short while doing one last good deed. He took an employee home Saturday night. At the same time, a Gaston County Police officer was rushing to the scene of a shooting. The officer crashed into Herring’s truck, killing him. The crash happened near the intersection of West Franklin Boulevard and South Webb Street. Clark recalls, “Got a text that he hadn’t returned home and I went to check it out and seen (sic) it. And I mean, it was pretty bad.”

In a statement, Chief Stephen Zill of the Gaston County Police Department says, in part, “We are heartbroken for the family. Our thoughts are with the all those affected by this incident.”

Now people in the community are demanding answers about that tragic crash, as they look to move forward. Clark says, “I don’t know what happens from here, but I’m sure we’ll pull together and make it all work out.”

The Gastonia Police Department, which is separate from the Gaston County Police Department, is investigating the crash. The Gaston County Police Department is conducting an internal review of the incident.