A suspect was arrested inside CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia after a motorcycle crash on Sunday afternoon, according to police.
Incident Details
Police say 20-year-old Payton Beatty and 27-year-old Christopher Hooper were riding stolen motorcycles down New Hope Road and East Franklin Boulevard when officers attempted to pull them over.
The suspects allegedly fled the scene, leading to a pursuit. The motorcycles were later found crashed and abandoned at the end of Melvin Drive, near New Hope Road.
Search and Arrests
Gastonia police deployed K-9 Bo to track the suspects. Beatty was quickly located nearby and arrested. However, police continued their search for Hooper, who was eventually found hiding in the dropdown ceiling of CaroMont Regional Medical Center. Flock surveillance cameras helped authorities pinpoint the location of the stolen motorcycles.
Charges and Statements
Hooper was charged with felony possession of a stolen motor vehicle, misdemeanor resisting a public officer, second-degree trespassing, reckless driving, and obstruction of a health care facility. When arrested, Hooper claimed he fled from police because he believed he had an outstanding warrant, according to court documents.
Prior Arrests
Hooper has a history of arrests. In October 2025, he was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and trafficking methamphetamine. This case remains pending.
Impact on the Hospital
CaroMont officials confirmed that the incident was resolved in about 12 minutes. They emphasized that patient care was not disrupted, and hospital operations continued as usual during the event.
