GASTONIA, N.C. — A large police presence in a Gastonia neighborhood was tied to a murder investigation in Staten Island, New York.
Chopper 9 Skyzoom captured officers with guns outside a home in the Weldon Heights apartments. Residents in the building were then forced to evacuate.
The Gastonia Police Department told Channel 9 that SWAT officers were asked to assist in the arrest of a murder suspect, identified as 28-year-old Lydell Felton.
Staten Island police said on March 28, Felton shot and killed 25-year-old Jesse Pimental.
The investigation into Pimental’s murder covered 3 weeks and 633 miles, ultimately leading to the arrest of Felton.
Crysta Byers, who lived next door to the suspect, recalled the massive scene.
“I looked out the window, and I saw the police motioning with their hands. I thought he was saying to get down, so I told all the kids to get down. Then the next thing you know, they said, ‘Nope, get out,’” Byers explained.
She said when they got outside, she saw heavily armed officers.
“I have seen them look around, do traffic stops, and try to search for people, but never this bad,” Byers elaborated.
Another neighbor said that while Felton stayed at that apartment, he was often in and out of town.
However, he seemed like a nice guy, and they were shocked when officers arrested him.
Felton is currently being held while officials decide if he will willingly return to Staten Island to face a judge.
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