On March 26, 2023, at approximately 5:05 a.m., Gastonia Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in the 300 block of Osceola Street in Gastonia, North Carolina. The incident involved 58-year-old Calvin Black, who was reportedly assaulting a 57-year-old woman outside the home. Upon arrival, officers entered the residence and encountered Black, who was armed with a handgun.
In the ensuing confrontation, two officers discharged their weapons, fatally wounding Black.
Inside the home, officers discovered 61-year-old Clifford Barton Scoggin suffering from gunshot wounds. Preliminary investigations indicated that Black had shot Scoggin prior to the officers' arrival. Scoggin was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries on April 3, 2023.
The 57-year-old female victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the assault and received medical treatment at the scene. No officers were injured during the incident. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation conducted an inquiry into the officer-involved shooting, while the Gastonia Police Department carried out a parallel internal investigation. As per standard procedure, the officers involved were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Scoggin's family expressed their grief and reflected on his life. His son, Dustin, recounted holding his father's hand during his final moments, noting, "It was a little bit of a relief to know he's not hurting. He went peacefully." Scoggin had recently been released from prison and was striving to rebuild his life, spending much of his newfound freedom with his family. His stepson, Jas Taylor, mentioned a recent conversation with Scoggin, expressing regret that they didn't have more time together.
The incident has had a profound impact on the local community, with residents expressing concerns about safety and the prevalence of violence in the neighborhood. One neighbor remarked, "We have had a lot of shootings, a lot of domestic violence, a lot of disrespect for our property, and disrespect for the neighborhood. It's just really sad how this neighborhood has gone downhill."
This tragic event underscores the complexities and dangers inherent in domestic disputes and the lasting effects they have on families and communities.
