Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Gastonia, Driver Faces Multiple Charges

Gastonia, North Carolina — July 14, 2025 — According to WCNC, a tragic incident has left one man dead and another facing serious criminal charges following a pedestrian collision in a busy intersection.

According to the Gastonia Police Department, the crash occurred at the intersection of Churchill Drive and East Garrison Boulevard. Authorities say 70-year-old James Harris was attempting to cross East Garrison Boulevard when a 2001 Jeep Cherokee struck him. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Harris was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 30-year-old Robert Johnson, was taken into custody at the scene. He now faces multiple felony charges, including second-degree murder, driving while impaired, felony death by vehicle, and failure to obey a steady red light. Johnson is currently being held at the Gaston County Jail while he awaits his first court appearance.

The road was closed for several hours following the collision as investigators processed the scene and began collecting evidence. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the crash, and the investigation remains active.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward.

The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way. Call 704-376-1616 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.