Catawba County Sheriff's Office

Catawba County Sheriff's Office 100 Government Dr - Unit E, Newton, NC 28658

Update 8:25pm - Thomas Banks has been captured without further incident. Thank you to United States Marshals Service and...
06/11/2026

Update 8:25pm - Thomas Banks has been captured without further incident. Thank you to United States Marshals Service and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Update 8:25pm - Thomas Banks has been captured without further incident. Thank you to United States Marshals Service and...
06/10/2026

Update 8:25pm - Thomas Banks has been captured without further incident. Thank you to United States Marshals Service and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/10/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞

ᴄᴀᴛᴀᴡʙᴀ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛʏ, ɴᴄ – On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on Dansbury Lane in Vale. Rusty Johnson was located at the scene suffering from a gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries. Johnson's next of kin has been notified.

Investigators with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) responded to the scene and began examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As a result, Thomas Christopher Banks, 39, of Cherryville, NC, was identified as a suspect in this case. Warrants have been obtained for Banks, and he is currently wanted in connection with the shooting.

Anyone with knowledge of Bank’s whereabouts and or information about this case is encouraged to contact Sheriff investigators at 828-464-3112.

____________________END_____________________

Information Provided by:
Lieutenant Dane Hoyle
Public Information Officer
Catawba County Sheriff’s Office
[email protected]

🌟 Employee of the Month – April 2026 🌟The Catawba County Sheriff's Office is proud to recognize Lucy Her, Staff Developm...
06/06/2026

🌟 Employee of the Month – April 2026 🌟

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office is proud to recognize Lucy Her, Staff Development Specialist, as our Employee of the Month for April 2026.

Lucy consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail in her work. Her commitment to supporting employees and leadership, along with her positive and dependable approach, makes a lasting impact on our organization every day.

Lucy exemplifies the values of teamwork, service, and excellence, and we are grateful for all she does for our agency.

Congratulations, Lucy, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏🎉

Sheriff Brown joined sheriffs from across North Carolina this week for the NC Sheriffs' Association Legislative Day at t...
06/05/2026

Sheriff Brown joined sheriffs from across North Carolina this week for the NC Sheriffs' Association Legislative Day at the General Assembly in Raleigh.

Legislative Day provides sheriffs the opportunity to meet directly with state lawmakers and discuss issues impacting public safety in their communities. Topics discussed this year included efforts to keep intoxicating THC products out of the hands of minors and legislation aimed at combating scams involving individuals impersonating law enforcement officers.

Sheriff Brown appreciated the opportunity to engage with state legislators and fellow sheriffs to discuss public safety priorities and advocate for issues affecting the citizens of Catawba County.

On Tuesday, June 2, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office—alongside numerous local and state partners—conducted a full-sca...
06/04/2026

On Tuesday, June 2, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office—alongside numerous local and state partners—conducted a full-scale training exercise focused on responding to an active shooter situation. (Over 170 participants)

This collaborative effort strengthens our preparedness and reinforces our commitment to keeping our schools and community safe.

We are grateful for the dedication of every agency and individual who works tirelessly to protect Catawba County.

Catawba County Emergency Services
Catawba County EMS
Catawba County 911
Catawba County Schools
Catawba Volunteer Fire Department
Catawba Rescue Squad
Mountain View Fire Department
Sherrills Ford - Terrell Fire & Rescue
St. Stephens Fire Department
Town of Catawba Police Department
City of Claremont, NC Police
Conover Police Department
Town of Long View, NC Police
Town of Maiden Police
City of Newton, NC Police Department
Hickory Police Department - Official
North Carolina State Highway Patrol
CVCC Law Enforcement Training

🚨NOTICE🚧 This morning, June 2, a training exercise will be conducted at St. Stephens High School and Arndt Middle School...
06/02/2026

🚨NOTICE🚧 This morning, June 2, a training exercise will be conducted at St. Stephens High School and Arndt Middle School. During the exercise, all entrances to the school campuses will be closed, including access points from 34th Ave NE, 34th St Dr NE, and 34th Ave Ct NE.

Residents and motorists may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in the area. Please avoid the immediate vicinity and follow any traffic control measures that may be in place.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

🐾After years of dedicated service, K9 Loki is officially retiring from the Catawba County Sheriff's Office.Loki joined o...
06/01/2026

🐾After years of dedicated service, K9 Loki is officially retiring from the Catawba County Sheriff's Office.

Loki joined our office on July 1, 2019, thanks to the generous support and donations from GKN, Poppleman Plastics, and the Maiden Sportsmen Club. Throughout his career, Loki served in the Community Relations & Support Services Division, where he was assigned to Catawba County Schools, helping provide a safe and positive environment for students and staff.

When not working in the schools, Loki assisted the Narcotics Division and Road Patrol, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to protecting our community.

K9 Loki's service has been a valuable asset to the Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Catawba County. We are grateful for the work he has performed over the years and for the support of the community partners who helped make his service possible.

As he begins this well-earned retirement, we wish him many days filled with rest, relaxation, and plenty of treats!

Please join us in thanking K9 Loki for his years of service and wishing him a happy retirement – home with his handler and family.

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our ...
05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage, service, and dedication to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.

As we spend time with family and friends, let us also reflect on those heroes who gave everything so we could enjoy the freedoms we have today.

We remember. We honor. We thank you. ❤️🤍💙

👨🏻‍🎓 Congratulations to all of our local students on completing another fantastic school year! Whether you are moving u...
05/22/2026

👨🏻‍🎓 Congratulations to all of our local students on completing another fantastic school year! Whether you are moving up a grade, heading to a new school, or graduating with the Class of 2026, the Sheriff’s Office wants to commend you for all your hard work.

Parents and students, please help us keep our community safe as summer break begins. If you are out celebrating this weekend, please drive responsibly, look out for one another, and always make smart choices on the road.

We are so proud of every single student in our community—enjoy a fun, happy, and safe summer! ☀️🦅✨

Thank you for all you do, Catawba County EMS! 💙
05/22/2026

Thank you for all you do, Catawba County EMS! 💙

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Newton, NC

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+18284645241

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