UPDATE III: Anthony Crawford (R) was released from the hospital and booked into the Mecklenburg County jail today. He is charged with three counts of assault on a Gov't Official with a gun, three counts of robbing an individual with a dangerous weapon, one count of first degree sex offense and going armed to the terror of the people. His bond is set at $260,000.UPDATE II: The identities of the three subjects involved in the carjacking and officer shooting have been released. The man who fired shots at the officer and was shot in return is named Anthony Jamel Crawford.
The other two culprits involved in the carjacking were Russell Gibson (Middle) & Grayland Welch (Bottom) Not surprisingly, all three men have a criminal history.
UPDATE I: Police located and arrested the third robbery suspect. They are looking into the possibility that other suspects are involved, so the identities will be released after detectives have made contact with victims and witnesses from the robberies.
Original Post_________10/08/2007_________________________
On October 8th, three thugs went on an armed robbery spree in East Charlotte. Police caught two of the three suspects two hours later. One of the suspects fired shots at a police officer and the officer fired back- hitting & injuring the suspect. The second suspect was apprehended when a police K-9 tracked him down and bit him.
The robbery spree started around 2:30 am. Police say a Hispanic couple were robbed at gunpoint by three black males at 5900 Monroe Road. In addition, the female victim was sexually assaulted by one of the suspects. The suspects fled the scene on foot headed towards Florence Avenue.
At 3:00 am, four suspects robbed a Hispanic woman at gunpoint at 5300 Independence Blvd. The robbers stole the woman's black 1997 GMC Jimmy during the robbery.
One hour later, a CMPD Officer spotted the stolen vehicle on Independence Blvd near Albemarle Road. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle and the thugs took off. A police chase ensued until the three suspects dumped the car on Florence Avenue and ran.As police officers pursued the suspects on foot, one of the suspects shot at an officer. The Officer returned fire and hit him. (Note to thugs: police officers train with their weapons so they will always have better aim!!) The second suspect was apprehended by a police dog a short distance away. Police are still searching for the third suspect.