Eric Edwin Bianchi Obituary, Death; – Gaston County Police have provided additional details following the fatal shooting of a man in Stanley in early December.
The incident occurred shortly after 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, at a residence on Beau Drive. Initially, law enforcement indicated they were responding to a 911 call in the vicinity, which led to an encounter between an officer and an individual, resulting in the officer shooting and killing the individual.
The deceased was later identified as 42-year-old Eric Edwin Bianchi. According to police reports, officers were dispatched to Beau Drive in response to 911 calls regarding a man with self-inflicted stab wounds. Upon arrival, they discovered Bianchi wielding a machete.
Authorities stated that they instructed him multiple times to drop the machete; however, he began advancing toward the officers. The department reported that an officer, perceiving an imminent deadly threat, discharged his weapon, resulting in Bianchi’s death.
The identity of the officer involved has not been disclosed, but department officials noted that he was part of a specialized high-risk unit trained to handle situations involving armed individuals.
This officer has previously been involved in two other incidents over the past nine years where he discharged his service weapon. In both instances, the State Bureau of Investigation concluded that the use of force was justified.
Both officers who responded to the scene on Beau Drive are currently on administrative leave as investigations are ongoing. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000.
