Suspect in Domestic Disturbance Apprehended After Swift and Coordinated Multi-Agency Response
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 10, 2025
Gastonia, NC – A coordinated effort between multiple law enforcement and emergency response agencies in Gaston County led to the peaceful apprehension of a suspect following a domestic incident today in Ranlo, NC.
At approximately 8 am today, officers were dispatched to 106 Crescent Avenue in Ranlo in response to a domestic disturbance call. Upon arrival, law enforcement encountered a male who was uncooperative and refused to let his juvenile daughter out of the house.
A four-hour negotiation ensued involving the Gastonia Regional Crisis Negotiation Team, the Gastonia Regional SWAT Team, and the FBI Crisis Negotiation Team. At 12:30 pm, the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Mitchell Dellinger (DOB 08/29/1985), was safely taken into custody an hour after his daughter was safely released.
Dellinger is being charged with felony kidnapping, resist, delay, and obstruct a public officer, and was found to have two outstanding warrants related to traffic violations.
We are grateful for the swift and professional response by all Gaston County agencies involved who worked as a cohesive team, including the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, Belmont Police Department, Ranlo Police Department, and the Ranlo Volunteer Fire Department and the FBI. Their cooperation was instrumental in ensuring the safety of everyone on the scene and the surrounding communities.
Media Contact:
Bill McGinty
Public Information/Media Relations
Gastonia Police Department
Cell: 704-419-0266
