'We lost a hero today' | Mount Holly officer killed in the line of duty, two days shy of 26th birthday A 24-year-old Mount Holly man was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of a police officer during a break-in Friday morning. Author: WCNC Staff, Meilin Tompkins, Brandon Goldner Published: 6:31 AM EST December 11, 2020 Updated: 6:20 PM EST December 11, 2020 GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Police in Gaston County, North Carolina arrested charged a man with murder after investigators said he shot and killed a police officer during a break-in in Mount Holly Friday morning. Authorities say Officer Tyler Avery Herndon, 25, was shot and killed while responding to the active break-in at the Mount Holly Car Wash just before 3:30 a.m. Friday.