Two Police Involved Killings In Two Weeks in Gastonia North Carolina

On February 7, 2015, 74-year old James Howard Allen was home recovering from heart surgery. Family members were concerned about his well-being. They had not been able to reach him and asked the police to make a welfare check. An officer arrived at the address, but there was no answer at the door.

The Gastonia Fire Department and Gaston Emergency Medical Services were asked to check on James’ house.  The Fire Department opened the back door and officers say that James was found holding a handgun pointed in the direction of the door. Officer Josh Lefevers, who was hired by the Gastonia Police Department in August 2012, fatally shot James. Lefevers is on administrative leave pending investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.