TWO MEN ARRESTED IN ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY
Suspect literally “scared neighbor to death” per authorities

By Jon Mayhew




GASTON COUNTY – Some Lincoln County drivers along I-85 in Gaston County couldn’t help but notice authorities on the side of the road, pointing rifles into the woods. Authorities in Gaston County were on a manhunt for two men who attempted to rob a Belmont bank Friday.

Police finally located Quanterrios McCoy and Larry Whitfield after searching all day. McCoy is charged with attempted robbery of the Fort Financial Credit Union on North New Hope Road.

The 20-year-old males were sighted by bank employees. And while the duo got into the bank, they never made it to the lobby. Bank employees locked the security doors.

The pair took a car but crashed on I-85 in Belmont. Both suspects took off, trying to flee authorities.

Whitfield ran to a nearby house to hide out. He broke into 78-year-old Mary Parnell’s home on Fairway Drive.



The stress of the event caused Parnell to have a fatal heart attack. Parnell was found by her husband and authorities said the incident scared Parnell “literally to death.” Authorities have charged Whitfield with murder.

Whitfield also faces charges of kidnapping, breaking and entering, and attempted armed robbery.

Officers arrested Whitfield shortly after he left Parnell’s home.