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GASTON – Seven juveniles (ages 14-to-17) were detained here Friday after numerous firearms were found during a vehicle stop.

Captain Patrick Jacobs of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office said the traffic stop took place at around 9:17 p.m. Upon further investigation and a search of the vehicle, numerous firearms were found inside. Jacobs said those weapons included three rifles and three handguns, along extended fully loaded magazines.

The juveniles were detained pursuant to this investigation and released to their parents. Juvenile petitions are pending pursuant to all juveniles.

Jacobs said these juveniles have not been linked to any specific shootings in the county, to include one on Tuesday of last week in Woodland. There, gunfire damaged several buildings and vehicles. Fortunately, there were no reports of any injuries.

“We have been having a lot of shootings in the Gaston area over the past six months and have current cases that are being investigated,” Jacobs said.

A 17-year-old was charged on a juvenile petition on Wednesday of last week for the Woodland shooting. That person was placed in a local juvenile detention center under a $50,000 secured bond pending a court date scheduled for May 1.

Jacobs said the young man was charged as an adult under the new law that became effective Dec. 1, 2024. This new law pertains to 16 and 17 year olds that commit Class A-E felonies can be charged as an adult and cases begin in adult court.

Jacobs said the investigation is ongoing for other suspects involved in the Woodland shooting and more charges are expected in the coming days.