By: Catawba County Sheriff's Office
Catawba County, NC (WNN) - On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on Dansbury Lane in Vale. Rusty Johnson was located at the scene suffering from a gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries. Johnson's next of kin has been notified.
Investigators with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) responded to the scene and began examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As a result, Thomas Christopher Banks, 39, of Cherryville, NC, was identified as a suspect in this case. Warrants have been obtained for Banks, and he is currently wanted in connection with the shooting.
Anyone with knowledge of Bank’s whereabouts and or information about this case is encouraged to contact Sheriff investigators at 828-464-3112.
Information Provided by:
Lieutenant Dane Hoyle
Public Information Officer
Catawba County Sheriff’s Office
Update:
As of June 11, 2026, the Catawba County Sheriff's Office has arrested Banks. He is currently awaiting trial at the Newton District Court.
