Preston Brown thanked the community for their patronage in an announcement on his Facebook page on February 19, sharing that after seven seasons, he and his father had decided to close.

“This has been a very difficult decision for my father and I. We started this journey together with a vision of a campground and drive-in movie theater that ultimately

turned into the #1 highest-grossing drive-in theater with the largest screens in the nation. We broke attendance records not only with other drive-ins, but walk-in theaters also. During the pandemic in 2020, I decided to utilize our space for the benefit of others to safely hold church services, graduations and concerts.”

Brown continued, “I am very proud of what we brought to our small town of Kings Mountain. Many local

Police stand-off in KM ended peacefully businesses have thanked me for bringing tourists to the area because their restaurants and gas stations have flourished but it is unlikely there will ever be another Drive-in theater or campground in this county.”

He concluded the post thanking his wife, Holly, and his father Mike Brown for their support, sharing that after the birth of his son Corbin, he wants to spend more time with his family.

Kings Mountain Police Department received several 911 emergency calls about gun fire in the 100 block of Gaston Street on Thursday, February 16, just after 10:00 a.m.

One witness told police that a male neighbor had fired multiple rounds into their home at 114 S. Gaston St. from an unknown weapon. The witness further told police that after firing the weapon, the male suspect retreated inside his home at 115 S. Gaston St.

Mountain. Mr. Porter was charged with firing a weapon into an occupied dwelling and possession of a firearm by a felon. He has been transported to the Cleveland County Jail for further processing.

Responding officers on scene confirmed that several rounds had been fired striking and entering the home of the witness. Officers quickly secured the

Sign

MARKELL LUTRELL PORTER area and began evacuating neighboring residents.

Based on the events reported, KMPD requested the assistance of the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department Crisis Negotiations, and Emergency Response teams for support and assistance.

Units with the Sheriff’s Department arrived and were able to negotiate with the male shooter to surrender to authorities without further incident.

The suspect has been identified as Markell Lutrell Porter, 39 of Kings up for KM’s

KMPD thanks the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department, Cleveland County EMS and Emergency Management, and Kings Mountain Fire and Rescue for their prompt response and support during this incident.

“I am so thankful that this situation resulted in a non-fatal event in Kings Mountain. We avoided what could have been tragic outcome for innocent people. I’m extremely proud of the work of our Kings Mountain police department as they engaged in a very dangerous encounter,” Mayor Neisler said. “Also, a big thank you to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office for backing us up. It’s always great to know they have our back!”