Crime
16-Year-Old Ashbrook High School Student Fatally Shot in Gastonia, Suspect Arrested
The Gastonia Police Department confirmed the tragic death of a 16-year-old student, Zaquavious Dawkins, who was fatally shot on Saturday evening, January 25, 2025.
Dawkins, a student at Ashbrook High School, succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting on North Chester Street/U.S. 321, just south of Interstate 85, around 6 p.m. Saturday.
According to Jose Jamie, owner of Los Arcos, the incident occurred behind his restaurant. Jamie stated that the area was quickly flooded with law enforcement, and emergency responders transported Dawkins to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
On Tuesday morning, Gastonia police confirmed the arrest of 16-year-old Sean James Curtis Simpson in connection with Dawkins’ killing.
Simpson was apprehended in the Cox Road area and has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the motive or any prior relationship between the victim and the suspect.
Gastonia Police are urging anyone with information regarding this case to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant details are encouraged to contact the Gastonia Police Department at 704-866-6702. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers. Information leading to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward.
The Gastonia community mourns the loss of a young life and is calling for justice for Zaquavious Dawkins as law enforcement continues its investigation into this tragic incident.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A Miami-Dade Transit bus driver, accused of fatally shooting two passengers during an early morning incident, has officially resigned from his position, county officials confirmed this week.
The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, is currently under active investigation by Miami Gardens Police in coordination with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.
According to police, the fatal shootings took place near the intersection of Northwest 183rd Street and Seventh Avenue, outside a shopping plaza in Miami Gardens.
Authorities say an argument erupted after the bus driver refused to allow a man to board the bus with a Citi Bike, which the driver allegedly suspected was stolen.
The situation escalated when the passenger reportedly reached into a bag, prompting the driver to open fire.
Witnesses reported hearing six gunshots.
Two men were struck — 44-year-old Lonnie Harley, the man attempting to board the bus, and 46-year-old Ejaash Carter, a bystander who was already on board and not believed to be involved in the altercation.
Investigators believe Carter may have been struck by a stray bullet.
Both victims were airlifted in critical condition to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The bus driver, whose identity has not yet been released due to the ongoing investigation, was initially placed on administrative leave.
County officials stated that the process of termination was initiated shortly after the shooting. However, the driver opted to resign before the termination was finalized.
Miami-Dade Transit policy strictly prohibits all transit employees from carrying firearms while on duty.
A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works reiterated this, stating, “Drivers are not allowed to be armed.”
The driver was detained for questioning following the incident but has not been formally charged.
Miami Gardens Police and prosecutors are continuing to review the case to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video footage of the incident to contact Miami Gardens Police or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers.