Travice Smarr, a 36-year-old alleged violent offender, was arrested on February 5, 2026, by the Gastonia Police Department in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. He faces multiple charges stemming from a February 18, 2024, armed robbery at China City restaurant on Davis Park Road in Gastonia, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, robbery with a dangerous weapon, second-degree kidnapping, simple assault, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Incident Details
Smarr and an unidentified second suspect allegedly broke into the restaurant around closing time (9:30 p.m.), forced employees into a dining area, emptied the cash register of about $3,000, and shot the owner in the leg before fleeing. The victim survived and has been recovering, per family statements to media.
Custody Status
Smarr is being held without bond and was expected in court shortly after his arrest. Gastonia Police highlighted the teamwork with federal partners that led to the safe resolution, but no updates on court proceedings or the second suspect are available yet.
