MAN THREATENS HOSPITAL WITH GUN

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON -- It was tense moments for police and hospital personnel at Carolinas Medical Center Lincoln Saturday night.

Around 9:45pm, Lincolnton police Sgt. Willie Vaughn was preparing to leave when he was approached by a hospital security guard in reference to a man with a gun.

Vaughn approached the 56-year-old Stanley man at the registration desk.

According to Vaughn's report, he asked the man if he had a gun. The man replied with "I might."

The man then began reaching into his pocket, at which time Vaughn grabbed the man's arm and pushed him against the wall, handcuffing the suspect.

Vaughn then searched the man, finding four .22 caliber bullets but no weapon.

Police officer Richard Taylor arrived at CMC-Lincoln and took control of the suspect.

Vaughn then spoke with hospital employees, who said they heard the man yelling as he was walking across the parking lot that he wanted to die and he had a gun.

The suspect told Vaughn after being placed into custody that he hadn't slept for three days. Alcohol was a factor in the incident, as the unidentified male hadn't been committed to a mental facility because he was too intoxicated as of early Sunday morning.