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July 7, 2009

GAFFNEY SERIAL KILLER SHOT BY GASTON POLICE LIVED IN WEST LINCOLN

Patrick Tracy Burris lived in Vale.

VALE – The last time 41-year-old Patrick Burris was in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center was June 12 on charges of driving while license revoked.

Monday morning, Burris pulled a gun and fired at officers. Officers returned fire, with Burris losing his life.

One Gaston County Police Officer -- Officer JK Shaw -- was shot in the leg. He was taken to Gaston Memorial Hospital, where he was treated and released several hours later.

Monday afternoon, authorities in Gaston County learned through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Burris was the man who went on a killing spree in Gaffney, South Carolina, killing five people over several days.

Members of SLED came to Gaston County and compared ballistics from the Gaffney murders and the gun Burris fired at officers.

Investigators said the match was perfect.

The Carolina Scoop independently confirmed the information through an independent law enforcement source from the Greenville/Spartanburg area of South Carolina.

Gaston County Officers responded to the 700 block of Dallas/Spencer Mountain Road just after 3am to reports of a burglary call according to a Gaston County Police media release.

During the interview process, officers determined Burris was an acquaintance of the brother and sister that lived at the residence.

Officers attempted to then serve the warrant on Burris, when he pulled a gun and fired at the officers.

Officer JK Shaw, along with Officers KL Williamson and GJ Kuzia, were placed on administrative duty with pay pending the outcome of an SBI investigation.

Now, residents of Gaffney, South Carolina, as well as residents of Gaston County, are breathing easier Monday night as a Serial Killer is off the streets.

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