Gastonia, N.C. - May 22, 2023 - Officers from the Gastonia Police Department have arrested and charged 18-year-old Martin Linarez Rojas of Gastonia for the shooting and attempted murder of a 17-year-old male that occurred last night in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant. Officers are still working to determine if Rojas and the victim knew each other.
On May 21 just after 10 p.m., officers and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the McDonald’s located at 1927 W. Franklin Boulevard for the report of a shooting that occurred in the parking lot.
First responders located the victim in the parking lot suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Officers at the scene were given a description of the suspect and of the vehicle that the suspect fled in after the shooting. Approximately two hours later, the suspect, now identified as Rojas was located and arrested. Rojas was in possession of a handgun at the time of his arrest.
Rojas was arrested and transported to the Gaston County Jail where he was charged with attempted murder and possession of a stolen firearm. He is being held without bond.
###
Martin Rojas
