A Marion man already on probation now faces weapon and drug charges.

Officers with the McDowell Sheriff’s Office searched the home of 33-year-old Danny Ray Pinkerton of 265 Carraway Drive where they located a handgun belonging to the suspect and drug paraphernalia.

As a convicted felon, Pinkerton is subject to warrantless searches.

He was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A Gaston County woman is charged in the attempted robbery of a Lincoln County convenience store.

35-year-old Crystal Faith Lincoln is charged with two felony counts of attempted common law robbery.

Reports say the suspect entered Lynn’s Stop and Shop on NC 27 Highway Thursday afternoon and handed the clerk a note demanding money.

The clerk reportedly told the suspect she was unable to open the register, and proceeded to pick up the phone to call 911.

The suspect then fled the store in a dark-colored minivan.

Detectives reviewed video surveillance from the store obtaining photos of the suspect vehicle.

Gaston County Police spotted the vehicle near the Lincoln County line and identified the driver as the attempted robbery suspect.

Reports say she had attempted a similar incident at another local convenience store.

Lincoln is being held under a 20-thousand-dollar secured bond.

As flu season becomes more active, the American Red Cross urges healthy donors of all blood types to make a donation to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need.

Health officials report blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well; and one way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall.

There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.

Upcoming donation opportunities –

November 1^st at Viewmont Baptist Church in Hickory 2:30 pm till 7 pm

November 3^rd at South Caldwell High School in Hudson 10 am till 2:30 pm and

November 5^th at the First Baptist Church in Morganton 2:30 pm till 7 pm

Donors of all blood types especially type o are needed following the cancellation of about 200 blood drives due to the hurricanes.