Rock Throwing Thugs Arrested

In the past month, police have responded to at least three incidents of people throwing rocks off overpasses- targeting the cars driving below. All three incidents occurred off I-85 and have resulted in damage to cars, police cars, a CFD fire truck and Medic units. Thankfully, nobody was hurt in any of the incidents because it could have been deadly!

On Sunday, around 1am, the suspects were out throwing rocks again. They hit a taxi cab, a car with a mother and her two sleeping children and another car. However, this time they got busted!

Police arrested three people for their involvement in throwing the rocks. They are currently charged with Sunday’s rock throwing incident and police are looking to connect the suspects to the other incidents.

Police arrested one juvenile, Duran Withers (Top Photo) and Lorenzo Sherrill (Bottom Photo) They are charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon and three counts of injury to personal property. Of course, they have already been released from jail.

A reporter with WBTV went to the house of Duran Withers and his mother (who is involved in the community crime watch) had some interesting things to say. Check out the video.

Rock throwing incidents: (from the crime blotter)

* 3/28/07
I-85 @ Brookshire: Subjects throwing rocks off of the Brookshire Overpass onto I-85 resulted in several vehicles being damaged. A CFD Engine, Ambulance, and (2) Police vehicles that responded to the scene were also damaged.

* 4/3/07
I-85 and Glenwood Drive: Medic unit windshield was struck by a rock that was thrown off of the overpass near the Brookshire freeway. No injuries. Windshield did not shatter, only cracked.

* 4/29/07
9200 Block I-85 N: Officers were notified that someone was throwing rocks off of the bridge onto cars northbound on 85. It was believed that the suspects were on the Brookshire Bridge over 85 or up on the side of the interstate. 3 vehicles were damage - no injuries. 3 suspects were caught. 2 adults and 1 Juvenile were charged with ADWIK.

Weekend Crime Summary

Click on the following links below to view some of the crimes that were reported over the weekend in Charlotte, NC. (All information comes from the Crime Blotter)

► Friday, April 27th
► Saturday, April 28th
► Sunday, April 29th

Prostitution Bust in Charlotte, NC

Faith Devon, Nicole Cherry, Diane Cooper, Juanita Crowder, Ramona Cunningham, Sharce Currence, Teresa Dawkins, Christy Eubanks, Tangela Harris, Jidelle Hernandez, Willie Hughey, Sheba Jennings, Marcus Kee, Lori Lammon, Pamela McFadden, Andrea Polk, Jezebel Riley, Tabitha Ross, Lisa Satterfield, Lucinda Scoggins, Amanda Smith, Cynthia Solis, Darlene White, Joanne Boler, Adrath Brice, Diane Morris, Lesia Poindexter, Laura Swartz

Man Arrested for Bar Shooting

Early this morning, police responded to Arnold's Bar on Eastway Dr, after they received a report of a man shot inside the bar. Police located the victim in the bathroom suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach. The victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

William Ray Runyan, 53, is charged with the shooting. Police believe Runyan knew the victim but they did not say what led to the shooting. Runyan is charged with assault with a deadly weapon- intent to kill and carrying a concealed weapon. His bond is set at $110,000.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : SIMMS, MARCUS PAUL


* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL








Name : REID, DEMONTEZ MAURICE

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL









Name : LOPEZ, ANTHONY LEE


* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL








Name : COLEMAN, RICHARD BARTON


* ATTEMPTED COMMON LAW ROBBERY
* STOLEN VEHICLE - POSSESSING








Name : CANN, TIFFANY LYNN

* MAINTAIN PLACE FOR PROSTITUTION
* SOLICIT - CRIME AGAINST NATURE
* PROSTITUTION

Charlotte Crime Blotter: 4/23/07-4/26/07

Click on the following links below to view some of the crimes reported by CMPD this week in Charlotte, NC:

► Monday, April 23rd

► Tuesday, April 24th

► Wednesday, April 25th

► Thursday, April 26th

- Charlotte Crime Blotter Information -

Captured: Antoine Williams

UPDATE: 4/28/07- Police have arrested Antoine Williams. He is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail.

On Tuesday, two armed black male suspects forced entry into a residence on Orchard Trace Lane. The men demanded money and property from the victims. In addition, one of the victims was physically and sexually assaulted by one of the suspects.

Police have identified Antoine Marquis Williams (R) as one of the suspects in this case. Williams is 18 years old, 5'7" and approx 180 pounds. He is further described as having six fingers on both hands.

He is wanted on charges of Armed Robbery, First Degree Rape, First Degree Sex Offense, First Degree Kidnapping, First Degree Burglary, and Assault with a Deadly Weapon. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Antoine Williams, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : MILLER, DION DEANDRA

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* CONSP ROBBERY DANGEROUS WEAPON
* ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON-SERIOUS INJURY - GUN







Name : MCILWAIN, LEANDO VANCE

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* CONSPIRACY-ARMED ROBBERY BUSINESS/PERSON
* ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON-SERIOUS INJURY - GUN







Name : JOHNSON, KEVIN LEE

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON-SERIOUS INJURY - GUN
* CONSPIRACY-ARMED ROBBERY BUSINESS/PERSON
* PROBATION VIOLATION






Name : DUDDING, GEOFFREY L

* STAT RAPE/SEX OFFN DEF >4<6yr>

* INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH CHILD

Cab Driver Shot During Robbery Attempt

Three armed men attempted to rob a Nations cab driver last night on Wilora Landing Road around 11:00 pm.

Police say one of the men held a gun to the cab driver's head and another looked around for items to steal. While struggling with the suspect the van rolled into an apartment porch and one of the suspects shot the cab driver in the hand. The cab driver then grabbed the gun and shot one of the suspects in the leg and shoulder.

Police captured the suspect who was shot and they are questioning other possible suspects. The cab driver and the injured robber were transported to CMC with non-life threatening injuries.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : JETER, JEFFERY D

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER
* BREAKING AND/OR ENTERING -WITHOUT FORCE







Name : GAINEY, KENYON EDWARD
Alias: GAINEY, DAVY BROCK

* PROBATION VIOLATION - OUT OF COUNTY
* INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH CHILD








Name : VANHOY, WENDY PLYLER

* FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD THEFT OR WITHHOLDING
* FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD FRAUD









Name : STEELE, ANTHONY DEONTE

* ROBBERY (COMMON LAW)
* COMMUNICATING THREATS









Name : CRAVEN, DWAYNE SCOTT

* INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH CHILD
* SEXUAL BATTERY - BY FORCE/AGAINST WILL

Online Predators Sentenced

Two men were sentenced on Monday in Federal Court on possession of child pornography charges. The federal prosecutions of Kenneth Mark Fisher, 46 and Charles Childers, 47 were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.

Kenneth Mark Fisher (R) was indicted last March on charges of possession of child pornography. At the time of his arrest, Fisher lived in Charlotte and worked for US Airways. Court documents reveal Fisher was in possession of over 27,000 images and over 1,100 videos of child pornography. The children shown in the photos and videos are aged 3 to 11 years old depicted children engaging in sexual activity.

Undercover agents posed as child molesters and communicated online with Fisher in chat rooms called ‘Kiddypics’ and ‘Kiddyvids.’ He told the agents he molested a toddler, had ‘access’ to a seven year old girl and shared his photos and videos with undercover detectives. Kenneth Fisher was part of an international online child porn ring and maintained a secure site filled with child pornography.

Kenneth Fisher entered into a plea agreement last June and he was sentenced on April 23rd to seven years and three months in a federal penitentiary. When Fisher is released from jail, he will be on supervised release for 15 years.

Charles Childers (R) was indicted last January on charges of possession of child pornography. The indictment states Childers was in possession of books, magazines, films, video and other matter which contained minor engaging in sexual acts.

In addition to owning child pornography, Childers was charged with mailing, shipping and transporting the explicit material. Charles Childers was sentenced on April 23rd to six and a half years in federal prison. Childers will be on supervised release for ten years after he is released from jail.

Docs: 4/24 DOJ Press Release
* Fisher: Plea Agreement – Govt’s Request for Continuance
* Childers: Bill of Information – Plea Agreement

Huntersville Bank Robbed

UPDATE: Suspect Captured

The SunTrust Bank, located at 9617 Holly Point Drive in Huntersville, was robbed today around 2:30pm by a lone suspect. The suspect entered the bank, brandished a weapon, and demanded money.

The suspect is described as a white male, mid 30's, with an average build. He was wearing a UNC hat, blue polo shirt, blue jean shorts and white shoes. According to statements, the suspect left the bank in a white Ford Explorer.

Anyone with information regarding the robbery or the suspect shown below, please contact the FBI at 704-377-9200.

Armed Robbers Hit Two Restaurants

Police believe two men are responsible for two different armed robberies that occurred last night.

The first robbery occurred at the Taco Bell, located at 1800 E. Woodlawn Road. Police say two black males entered the restaurant, one wearing a "scream" mask and the other wearing a skull mask. After the armed robbery, both men left the store on foot.

Twenty minutes later, the same two men robbed the Papa Johns Pizza, located at 1343 Sharon Rd West. The men were wearing the same masks and again fled the scene on foot.

If you have any information that could help police, please contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Stand-In Judges Coming to Help Mecklenburg County Court

North Carolina court officials have announced they will soon be sending stand-in Judges and court reporters to Mecklenburg County. The Judges will stay for six months to help with our overloaded court system backlog.

The extra judges will help with the case backlog and it will help clear out some of the people we have sitting in the Mecklenburg County Jail. Most of the people held in the jail are waiting to go to court so the court system backlog is contributing to the problem of our overcrowded jail. Once the suspect is convicted or cleared in court, they will either go to a state prison facility or be released.

The stand-in judges will not eliminate the court system backlog but it will certainly help. The new Mecklenburg County Courthouse has several open courtrooms and is outfitted to handle the additional judges.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : MARSHALL, BRADLEY EUGENE

* ASSAULT DEADLY WEAPON/INTENT KILL/SERIOUS INJ.-CUT









Name : HALL, MONTE

* ROBBERY (COMMON LAW)
* BREAKING AND/OR ENTERING -WITH FORCE

Name : CULPEPPER, LOREN HEATH

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER PLACE









Name : MILLER, HENRY
- 37 arrests in 3 years-


* BURNING - CARELESSNESS WITH FIRE








Name : CONWAY, MICHAEL

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER PLACE

Name : NELSON, TYMONE JERODE

* ASSAULT BY STRANGULATION
* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : MARTIN, BRANDON EUGENE

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* BURGLARY - FIRST DEGREE








Name : INGRAM, ISHMAEL QASIM

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL









Name : MCCORD, JENNIFER A



* 2X's: C/S SCH II- SELL/DELIVER SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

Name : GASKIN, JAIRUS ANTHONY

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* CONSPIRACY-ARMED ROBBERY BUSINESS/PERSON








Name : SHOCKLEY, DOUGLAS EUGENE

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER
* ASSAULT DEADLY WEAPON/INTENT KILL/SERIOUS INJ.-OTHER

Man Wanted for Store Robbery

Police have released still photos from a video surveillance camera that captured the March 27th armed robbery of the Deli El Salvador, located at 6903-A East WT Harris Blvd. A black male entered the business armed with a gun and robbed the business.

If you recognize the person shown in the photos below or have any information to help police, please contact Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Stolen Guns In Charlotte

Last week, WBTV reported about the stolen gun problem in Charlotte. As of late last week, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department had received 480 reports of stolen guns so far this year. The guns are taken from law abiding citizens and they end up in the hands of thugs.

Police say that out of the 480 stolen guns, 155 guns were stolen as a result of larceny from auto. Police say gun owners are leaving guns in their car in plain view or in the glove box and the criminals are stealing them- only to sell them on the street or use them to commit crimes.

I believe in the right to bear arms. However, I think gun owners need to take more responsibility and safeguard their weapon for the protection of all of us. I spoke with a CMPD Officer who offered some information and tips about the most common problems Charlotte police officers run into with gun owners in Charlotte:

• Make sure you document your gun's serial number and put it in a safe place. If your gun is stolen, police will need this information to identify and return your gun. If you don't know the serial number and your gun is stolen, you will never see your gun again. Police will not return your stolen gun if it is used to commit a crime.
• If you buy a gun, become familiar with that particular weapon. Police see cases of injuries and death when a person purchases a gun and doesn't learn how to use it properly.
• Take a gun safety course & teach your age appropriate children about gun safety.
• Do not leave your gun in your car! If you carry and need to leave your gun in a car, purchase a car gun safe to help prevent the thugs from getting their paws on it.
• Keep your guns locked up & away from children! All CMPD police stations have FREE gun locks that you can pick up during business hours.

Weekend Crime Summary

Click on the following dates to see the crimes that were reported over the weekend in Charlotte, NC. (All information comes from the Crime Blotter)

► Friday, April 20th

► Saturday, April 21st

► Sunday, April 22nd

Radioactive Materials Stolen in Charlotte

The N.C. Radiation Protection Section reported today that someone broke into a delivery truck outside Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte and stole six containers of syringes with a common radioactive material called Technetium 99-m.

State officials are advising residents in the Mecklenburg County area that Technetium 99-m is considered to be a low-hazard radioactive material, but can pose a potential health and safety risk if it is not handled properly. Technetium 99-m is a radio pharmaceutical used for common diagnostic nuclear medicine studies by most hospitals.

The theft occurred during early morning delivery activities at the hospital Friday outside Presbyterian Hospital, 200 Hawthorne Lane in Charlotte. The stolen containers are rigid black nylon cases and are about one square foot and weigh between 10 pounds and 15 pounds. Inside the containers are metal cylinders containing syringes. Each container was labeled with the radiation symbol and the word “Radioactive.”

Please see the photos below showing what the bag and syringes look like. If you have any information or see these items, call 911 immediately. * More Info *

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : RAHLAN, VAN


* POSSESSION OF WEAPON ON SCHOOL GROUNDS








Name : MITCHELL, TYRONE

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* CONSP ROBBERY DANGEROUS WEAPON
* BURGLARY - FIRST DEGREE
* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE






Name : HALPIN, SHANE D

* 2x's: C/S-SCH II- TRAFFICKING IN COCAINE










Name : HENRY, DEVON

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER PLACE
* CONSPIRACY-ARMED ROBBERY BUSINESS/PERSON







Name : FERRILL, TODD

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER PLACE
* CONSPIRACY-ARMED ROBBERY BUSINESS/PERSON







Name : BARNETT, MICHELLE NICOLE

* FUGITIVE/EXTRADITION OTHER STATE
* PROSTITUTION - SOLICITING FOR
* SOLICIT - CRIME AGAINST NATURE

Caravan to Raleigh Update

Mayor Pat McCrory sent the following e-mail to those of us who participated in the Caravan to Raleigh in February. He shared some important updates about our efforts:

Dear Caravan to Raleigh Participants:

I wanted to give you an update on how our efforts in February during the Caravan to Raleigh for Public Safety is still building support in Raleigh.

Last week, at the invitation of NC Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, he invited Police Chief Darrel Stephens, Sheriff Jim Pendergraph, District Attorney Peter Gilchrist; and me (I called it the “carpool” to Raleigh) to meet with him as a follow-up to the Caravan to Raleigh. It was a great opportunity for the four of us to continue to represent your concerns and that of all citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg to the Senate leadership. Also in the meeting were Senators from Mecklenburg County, the Administrative Office of the Courts officials, NC Senate Criminal Justice Appropriators; and various staff .

After sharing our latest statistics of overcrowded jails, crime rates, arrest records, and examples of serious repeat offenders, Senator Basnight suggested that the Senate explore increasing the court costs that the State mostly keeps and uses for the general fund and direct it to the criminal justice system. I like his approach to raise new revenue from law violators. It was suggested the increase could amount to an additional $25 million per year.

Our challenge is to make sure the money goes where it is most needed. Additionally, Senator Basnight was unaware that assaulting a police officer is not always prosecuted as a felony. He is open to changing this law to ensure it will be prosecuted as a felony.

Finally, Judge Ralph Walker, Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, volunteered to redirect resources and provide overtime staff support to help us address our case backlog for the next six months. This is a very welcomed suggestion from the man in charge of allocating discretionary resources.

In summary, your efforts to participate in the Caravan to Raleigh for Public Safety have created a new awareness of the need for more state assistance for the Criminal Justice System. Thank you again for being engaged in this issue -- and we can't let up. Please keep sending those calls and emails to state legislators and the media. Your efforts are working!

Sincerely,
Pat McCrory
Mayor

Woman Shot in North Charlotte

A woman was shot last night and the shooter was arrested after a three hour standoff in North Charlotte.

Police say the incident began shortly before 11pm when a woman arrived at a home off Lakota Court by cab. Police say the woman knocked on the door and spoke with the man who answered the door. The two started arguing and the woman walked away. The man pulled out a gun and started firing at the woman- who was hit in the leg. The cab driver helped the women to safety and called police.

Police arrived on the scene and the shooter, Jenghiz Leget Lee Chun, (R) barricaded himself inside a neighbors home. The SWAT team was called out to assist in convincing Lee Chun to exit the home. After three hours, the shooter exited the home and was placed under arrest.

Jenghiz Leget Lee Chun is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill. He is being held in the Mecklenburg County jail without bond.

Charlotte's 20th Murder in 2007

UPDATE: 4/24/07: Police have arrested and charged O'Brian Levon Collins (L) for the murder of Torrey Tillman. Members of the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) arrested the suspect in the early morning hours on April 24th at 2006 Grier Avenue.

Shortly after 9:30 last night, police were called to the Toll House Motel in reference to a person shot.

Police arrived and located 23-year old Torrey Maurice Tillman (R) with multiple gun shot wounds. He was found outside a room at the motel, located at 2124 West Morehead Street.

MEDIC transported Tillman to Carolinas Medical Center where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Police have not released any suspect information at this time. Tillman's death is the 20th homicide in Charlotte this year.

Captured: Elijah Black

UPDATE: Elijah Black (L) was apprehended today when he surrendered to SWAT team members after a brief standoff at the Brookshire Inn Motel, located off of Brookshire Boulevard. The incident began this afternoon around 12:15 pm and Black was placed under arrest at approximately 1:25 pm.

Detectives developed information early this morning and learned Black was staying at the Brookshire Inn Motel and that he was armed with a sawed off shotgun.

Police say they evacuated the motel as a SWAT negotiator made contact with Black. The negotiator was able to convince Black to come out of the room and surrender peacefully. After Mr. Black surrendered, a search of his motel room yielded a sawed off shotgun and a paint ball gun. Traffic in the area was shut down for a little over an hour. Once the suspect was in custody and his room secured, traffic was allowed to flow again.

3/15/07: CMPD's Violent Crimes Apprehension Team (VCAT) is looking for Elijah Roshell Black. Black has an outstanding warrant for armed robbery and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Black is known to frequent the Tryon Hills area and several motels located along Interstate 85.

Please contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 if you have any information about his whereabouts.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : SIMMONS, JOSE EMANUEL

* ROBBERY (COMMON LAW)
* CONSPIRACY - FELONY

Name : GARNER, EVERETT FATE

* EMBEZZLEMENT










Name : HERIOT, JUSTIN OMAR

* ASSAULT ON A CHILD UNDER TWELVE - OTHER
* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* CONSP ROBBERY DANGEROUS WEAPON
* ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON--SERIOUS INJURY - OTHER






Name : ORTIZ, MISAEL D

* SECRET PEEPING










Name : SINGELTON, CALVIN CORNELIUS

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* STOLEN VEHICLE - POSSESSING

Name : POLK, LUTHER DORELL

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL