Gastonia, N.C. - July 28, 2022: On July 27, 2022, Superior Court Judge David A. Phillips heard petitions for the Release of Law Enforcement recordings from both Joshua Rohrer as well as from District Attorney Travis Page and the City of Gastonia. Judge Phillips granted both petitions. The City has made the recordings from October 9 and October 13 available on the Gastonia Police Department’s YouTube site.
A Gaston County grand jury twice reviewed the charges against Mr. Rohrer stemming from his October 13 arrest and found probable cause for those charges. City of Gastonia Code Section 6-228 prohibits soliciting or accepting contributions while in a street or median from the occupants of a stopped vehicle. North Carolina General Statute §14-223 makes it a misdemeanor to willfully and unlawfully resist, delay or obstruct a public officer in discharging or attempting to discharge an official duty.
On October 9, Officer Taylor III encountered Rohrer in the median on Gaston Mall Drive at Cox Road. Officer Taylor III warned Rohrer that he could not stand in the median, but could stand on the sidewalk. During a second interaction several minutes later after Rohrer moved to the sidewalk, Officer Taylor III spoke with Rohrer about Rohrer’s military service and checked to see if Rohrer was aware of and receiving any services that are available to veterans.
The City is pleased that the resolution of Mr. Rohrer’s charges includes his participation in Catawba County’s Veteran Treatment Court where he can receive services specifically tailored to his needs.
The City of Gastonia Police Department’s internal review of this incident was conducted pursuant to established policy and no relatives of either officer were involved.
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Body-worn camera video - Part One
Body-worn camera video - Part Two
