Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Update: Jeffrey Lawrence Brooks

On January 14th, I wrote about Jeffrey Lawrence Brooks. He is the repeat violent criminal who was featured on America's Most Wanted and listed on CMPD's 10 Most Wanted List...

Brooks nearly killed a man but that didn't matter to a Mecklenburg County Judge- who reduced his bail and basically set him free 30 days later.

Tara Servatius followed up on the story and Creative Loafing published an article with her findings. Tara's article, 'Judges Gone Wild' reveals some very troubling information about one of our District Court Judges...

From Tara's article:
" ...District Court Judge Philip F. Howerton Jr. saw things differently. Unlike the police department, the magistrate and the folks at America's Most Wanted, he apparently wasn't concerned enough about Brooks' potential for violence to keep him in jail..." <Read More>

Murder in Stallings

UPDATE: Police have arrested 18 year old Marquie De Carlos Walker (R) in the murder of David Pate. He was caught in Tallahassee, Florida and is awaiting extradition back to NC.


12/13/06: Police are trying to determine who shot a man and left him to die inside a hotel room in Stallings, NC. Police officers found David Pate (Left) of Indian Trail inside a room at the Intown Suites on East Independence Boulevard last night.

Police say Pate died from a single gunshot wound to the chest but they have not released any other information about the shooting. Source: WBTV

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

10 Year Old Caught with Gun at School

A fifth grade student at Barringer Elementary Academic Center was found with a gun in his backpack today. Police say the gun was not loaded and the student did not have any bullets. School officials say the student did not make any threats against other students and they do not think he meant any harm.

The big question is where the 10 year old got the gun... It is downright scary to know a child this young has access to a firearm! The boy was released to his parents and CMS suspended him for 10 days.

A second weapon was found on a female student at the Kennedy Middle School. A knife was found during a random weapon search conducted by school officials. The juvenile was arrested.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : SAMPSON, FOSTER
- Repeat Offender -
* C/S-SCH II- TRAFFICKING IN COCAINE
* DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - POSSESSION OF
* RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER








Name : LITTLE, ANTHONY BERNARD
- Repeat Offender -
* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER PLACE









Name : FOSTER, JAIME BORGES
- Repeat Offender -
* SECOND DEGREE ARSON
* BURNING PERSONAL PROPERTY








Name : HUDDLESTON, PATRICK

* 2x's- BREAKING AND/OR ENTERING (FELONY)- WITH FORCE
* 2x's- SAFECRACKING









Name : THOMAS, DAVON LONDELL
- Repeat Offender -
* ASSAULT ON A FEMALE - AGG.PHYS.FORCE
* COMMUNICATING THREATS
* BREAKING AND/OR ENTERING -WITH FORCE
* INJURY TO PERSONAL PROPERTY
* DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED
* RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER
* RECKLESS DRIVING--ENDANGERING
* FAIL TO HEED BLUE LIGHT/SIREN
* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE
* ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON--INTENT TO KILL - GUN
* ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON--SERIOUS INJURY - OTHER
* CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
* FLEE/ELUDE ARREST WITH MOTOR VEHICLE

Monday, January 29, 2007

Weekend Robberies in Charlotte

CMPD reported the following robberies that occurred over the weekend in Charlotte, NC.

The CMPD Patrol Divisions are shown on the map to the right. The division where the robbery occurred is shown at the end of each crime reported. This will give you a better idea of where the robberies are occurring.

Saturday:
6900 Democracy Dr. - A victim was robbed by a black male with a red coat that had fur around the hood. The robber had a knife but the victim was not hurt. (Hickory Grove )
143 Kingsford Dr. - A man was robbed by four black males. One of the suspects had a handgun and took his cellphone. (Steele Creek)
1408 W. Sugar Creek Road- A man was robbed at gunpoint by two black males. The victim was not injured. (North Tryon)
2101 Kirkwood Avenue- Two people were robbed by a man riding a bicycle who was armed with a knife. The victims received cuts to their face and were treated at CMC. Suspect: B/M, 45 yrs old, 5'8, 145lbs. (Providence)
7504 E. Independence Blvd.- A person was robbed by a man who pointed a weapon at him and demanded money. The suspect fled the scene in a black Audi towards Independence Blvd. (Independence)
Spring Street- The victims in this case were robbed by two black males with handguns. The suspects took the victims money and jewelry. (Metro)
2001 Grier Ave - A woman was robbed by a black male at gunpoint. (Metro)

Sunday:
4135 Conway Avenue - A woman was robbed by two black males when she arrived home. One of the men was armed with a handgun. (Westover)
2900 Cedarwild Rd. - A man was robbed and assaulted by four black males. The suspects hit the victim in the face before taking his money and other personal items. (Independence)
200 W. Woodlawn Rd. - A Krispy Kreme store was robbed by an armed black male. The suspect entered the business and displayed a small black handgun. He took money from the register and left on foot towards Nations Crossing. No injuries. (Westover)
103 Stetson Dr. - A man was robbed at the Waffle House by two black males. One of the men was armed with a handgun. The suspects ran off on foot towards the University. No injuries. (University City)
7837 Nations Ford Rd. - Two black male suspects robbed a victim of cash while in the parking lot of the Circle K. The suspects indicated he had weapons but did not display them. The suspects fled the scene on foot. (Steele Creek)
8124 S. Tryon St. - The GNC store was robbed by a black male. He indicated he had a weapon but did not show it. The suspect fled the scene on foot. (Steele Creek)
1933 South Boulevard - Two people were sitting in a vehicle at the Tyber Creek Pub at Trolley's End when a man armed with a long gun robbed them. The suspect struck one victim with the butt oft he gun, causing minor injury. The white male suspect fled in an older model white four door Oldsmobile. The victims followed the suspect until the suspect shot at them. (Central)

* Additional crimes reported can be found @ the Charlotte Crime Blotter.

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Youth Crime Skyrockets in Charlotte

The Charlotte Observer published an article today highlighting the increase in juvenile armed robberies. According to the article, "Nearly 1 in 3 people accused of robbery in Charlotte last year weren't old enough to vote." The robbery suspects range from high school dropouts to straight 'A' students to athletes.

Last year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested 168 teens between the ages 13-17 on robbery charges. Police say arrests in this age group have increased 34% from 2005.

Some of the things these young criminals say to the police are outrageous: "I don't think most kids understand the consequences of what they are doing," Sgt. Kevin Barbee told the Observer. "We've had kids tell us, `All I did was rob them.' To me, that speaks volumes."

Charlotte is not the only city in the US facing the problem of juvenile crime. Cities in Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina are experiencing the same upward trend of kids committing crimes. However, in other cities like Spartenburg, youth crime has decreased.

I believe there is hope if we find the right solutions. One thing I think we need to do is hold parents accountable. I know some kids are brought up in the best of households and end up in trouble. On the other hand, I believe many parents of youth offenders do not care. Often, the parents are criminals themselves or don't have the time or desire to set a good example.

Another parenting problem I've heard about from police officers, teachers and others is how parents have their head in the sand about their child's bad behavior. You know, "Not my child..." Any of the above behavior does not help any child become an asset to society.

Teenagers have two choices: They can live a high-risk life of crime or they can get an education or get a job and take responsibility for their actions. It is a parent or guardian's responsibility to do the best they can to steer their children in the right direction. If the parent is as irresponsible as the child, they should be help accountable.

Three Shot & One Killed at El Vaquero Club

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers were called to the El Vaquero night club, located at 4116 North Tryon Street around 3 o'clock this morning. 911 callers reported shots fired and people down in the parking lot outside the club.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found Jose Lorenzo Arevalo-Moreno, 25, in the parking lot dead of an apparent gunshot wound. A second victim was shot in the arm and was transported to CMC by Medic. A third victim was also shot in the arm and was transported to CMC by a friend. The second and third shooting victims sustained non-life threatening injuries and will recover.

Police have basic suspect descriptions at this time: Suspect # 1: Hispanic/Male, Early 20's, 5'4" - 5'6", with a "Chubby" build. Suspect # 2: Hispanic/Male, Early 20's, 5'4" - 5'6", with a slim build. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : PROVY, JOSHUA EARL
- Repeat Offender -
- Reported Wanted by CMPD on 1/12
* BREAKING AND/OR ENTERING (FELONY)-WITHOUT FORCE
* CONSPIRACY - FELONY









Name : LOVE, ERIC WESLEY
- Repeat Offender -

* DISORDERLY CONDUCT
* POSSESSION OF WEAPON ON SCHOOL GROUNDS (CHAR-MECK)







Name : HEPNER, CHRISTOPHER ROBERT
* FEDERAL PRISONER

* SELLING METHAMPHETAMINE (METH)
- VIEW FEDERAL INDICTMENT








Name : CHAMBERS, JIMMY A
* FEDERAL PRISONER

* SELLING METHAMPHETAMINE (METH)
- VIEW FEDERAL INDICTMENT








Name : CANNON, DAVID LEE
Alias: HARDEN, DAVID LEE
- Habitual Repeat Offender-

* BREAKING AND/OR ENTERING (FELONY)- WITH FORCE
* SAFECRACKING








* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER PLACE
* 2 COUNTS: KIDNAPPING

Man Assaults CMPD Officers

Around 12 am, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police approached a suspicious vehicle at 1201 Harrill Street. The driver of the car, Cory Lorenzo Walker, 26, ran from the officers into a common stairway.

Walker then assaulted both officers causing the officers to fall down the stairs. One of the officers suffered injuries and was treated and released from Presbyterian Hospital.

Walker was arrested for two charges of assault on a government official, drug charges, and resisting arrest.

Man Shoots Girlfriend & Runs...

On Friday night, CMPD searched a neighborhood off Robinson Church Rd. for hours after a male suspect shot his girlfriend on Idlewild Rd and fled the scene in a vehicle.
A short pursuit ensued and the suspect crashed his vehicle and ran into the woods. The suspect is still at large.
Police say the incident started when the suspect and his girlfriend were in the car arguing on Idlewild Rd. The woman jumped out of the car and the man got out, ran after her and shot her.
The woman was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. Photographer Jonathan Jones was on the scene and captured the shown pictures of the suspect's crashed car.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Mayor's "Caravan to Raleigh for Public Safety"

On February 13th, Mayor Pat McCrory is leading a "Caravan to Raleigh for Public Safety," a grassroots campaign to lobby support to fix the problems of the congested court system in Mecklenburg County. All concerned citizens, crime victims, city leaders and police officers are encouraged to attend this one day event.

McCrory is asking state legislators to make the criminal justice system a top priority in the 2007 legislative session. Proposed legislative initiatives include:
  • Support local police with more jails, district attorneys, and court time to deliver justice to the criminals.
  • Support region-wide efforts to crack down on gangs and implement legislation to take away gang assets.
  • Allow law enforcement to work with schools to share information about people under the age of 16 who have committed felonies.
  • Allow business owners to be a part of the trial/prosecution, when crimes are committed on their property, such as in hotel rooms or mall parking lots.

You can make a difference by participating in the Caravan to Raleigh to visit the North Carolina General Assembly members and expressing your support of these initiatives!

* Caravan to Raleigh - REGISTRATION FORM
* View Mayor's Press Conference

CMPD Safe Community Forums

Mark your calendars! Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police has scheduled a series of Safe Community Forums in coming weeks, to discuss the new district boundary lines and other changes. The meetings are open to the public and you are strongly urged to attend. You can find more info @ http://www.cmpd.org/.

• Feb. 8: North Division, 6:30-8:30 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 6230 Beatties Ford Rd.
• Feb. 20: Hickory Grove Division, 6:30-8:30 pm, Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 6050 Hickory Grove Rd.
• Feb. 22: Independence Division, 6:30-8:30 pm., Garr Memorial Church, 7700 Wallace Rd.
• Feb. 27: South Division, 6:30-8:30 pm, Forest Hill Church, 7224 Park Rd.
• March 1: Providence Division, 6:30-8:30 pm, Providence Baptist Church, 4921 Randolph Rd.
• March 6: Eastway Division, 6:30-8:30 pm, Eastland Mall, 5433 Central Ave.
• March 8: Westover Division, 6:30-8:30 pm, CPCC West campus, 3210 CPCC West Campus Dr.
• March 13: North Tryon Division, 6:30-8:30 pm, at a site to be announced.
• March 15: Central Division , 6:30-8:30 pm, Char-Meck Govt. Center, 600 E. Fourth St.
• March 20: Freedom Division, 6:30-8:30 pm, West Service Center, 4150 Wilkinson Blvd.
• March 22: Metro Division, 6:30-8:30 pm, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Rd.
• March 27: University City Division, 6:30-8:30 pm, Vance High School, 7600 IBM Dr.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : WALPOLE, ROBERT

* 2 COUNTS: INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH CHILD
* 2 COUNTS: SEX OFFENSE-1ST DEGREE-VICTIM UNDER 13








Name : SCHINK, SCOTT HERMAN
* FEDERAL PRISONER
* OPERATING A METH LAB

* READ FEDERAL INDICTMENT








Name : MARTIN, BRETT TAYLOR
- Repeat Offender -
* BREAKING AND/OR ENTERING (FELONY)- WITH FORCE
* SAFE CRACKING














* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL (FELONY)
* ASSAULT DEADLY WEAPON/INTENT KILL/SERIOUS INJURY-GUN


Armed Robber Shot & Killed at McDonalds

UPDATE: May 4, 2007

According to CMPD, the January 25, 2007 McDonalds shooting incident was presented to the District Attorney's office for review and the following subjects have been charged in connection with the incident:

* Crystal Danielle Steele
She has been charged with (1) Conspiracy to commit armed robbery and (2) Armed Robbery. Crystal was the McDonalds shift manager at the time of the robbery and the investigation revealed that she and the suspect, Donte McFadden, were cousins. The suspect, Donte McFadden, was robbing the business at the time. Donte McFadden was shot and killed by another McDonalds Employee during the robbery. The investigation revealed that Crystal and Donte were both involved in the robbery.

* Tiemeyer Neshawn Sanders
He has been charged with (1) Possession of firearm by a convicted felon. Sanders was an employee of McDonalds at the time and foiled the robbery by shooting the suspect during the robbery. The District Attorney's office did not charge Sanders with murder because at the time, Sanders was acting in self defense and defense of other, and the suspect, Donte McFadden, was committing an armed robbery of the business; however, Sanders is a convicted felon and was prohibited by law from possessing any type of handgun.

###
1-26-07
Around 10:00 last night, police say Donte McFadden, 20, entered a McDonald's on Freedom Drive carrying a gun. As he attempted to rob the restaurant, a McDonald's employee shot McFadden. The McDonalds employee and McFadden (L) exchanged gunfire inside the restaurant.

McFadden and a 42-year old female McDonald's employee were hit during the shootout. Medic transported the two victims to the hospital. The employee hit in the cross-fire sustained non-life threatening injures and McFadden died upon arrival at the hospital.

Police say they will submit the case information to the DA's office to see if any charges will be filed against the McDonalds employee. ** Listen to 911 Calls

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : TAYLOR, EDDIE LAVOID
- Repeat Offender -

* RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER
* BREAKING AND/OR ENTERING (FELONY)- WITH FORCE
* POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS






Name : REDFERN, JOHNNY GARY
- Habitual Repeat Offender -
* C/S-SCH II- P/W/I/S/D COCAINE
* C/S-SCH II- DELIVER COCAINE
* DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - POSSESSION OF
* C/S-SCH II- SELL COCAINE







Name : MOUSTAFA, CHAD M
- News article from last year's arrest.
* C/S-SCH VI- P/W/I/S/D MARIJUANA
* C/S-SCH I- POSSESS PSILOCYBIN
* DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - POSSESSION OF
* BOND TERMINATION







Name : MC MURRAY, SHANA LYNN
- Repeat Offender -
* RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER
* 2 COUNTS- CONSPIRACY-ARMED ROBBERY BUSINESS/PERSON
* 2 COUNTS -ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER PLACE






Name : WHITE, MELANIE YVONNE
- Repeat Offender-
* DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED
* FICTITIOUS INFORMATION TO OFFICER
* 2 COUNTS- ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER PLACE
* 2 COUNTS- CONSPIRACY-ARMED ROBBERY BUSINESS/PERSON





Name : THOMPSON, BRYANT DAVID
- Repeat Offender -

* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE

Speak up Charlotte!

NOW is the time to contact your elected officials! The state legislature resumes session today and it's the perfect time to remind your representatives about the crime and court crisis in Charlotte. Contact your representatives while there is still time for him or her to take effective action!

Remember, monies for our court system, jails and rehabilitation programs should come from the state. As citizens, it is our responsibility to hold our elected representatives accountable. As they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. If you want things to change in your neighborhood, your town, your state or your country- say so! Make your voice heard!

■ Governor Mike Easley: Contact Form

■ Mecklenburg County NC HOUSE Reps:
Martha Alexander (District 106); Jim Black (District 100); Becky Carney (District 102); Pete Cunningham (District 107); Beverly Earle (District 101); Jim Gulley (District 103); Ruth Samuelson (District 104); Thom Tillis (District 98); Drew Saunders (District 99); Ric Killian (District 105)
* E-mail All NC House Reps

■ Mecklenburg County NC SENATE Reps:
Dan Clodfelter (District 37); Charlie Dannelly (District 38); Eddie Goodall (District 35); Malcolm Graham (District 40); Robert Pittenger (District 39)
* E-mail All NC Senate Reps

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners:
At Large: Parks Helms; Dan Ramirez; Jennifer Roberts
Districts: (1) Karen Bentley; (2) Norman A. Mitchell, Sr.; (3) Valerie Woodard; (4) Dumont Clarke; (5) Dan Bishop; (6) Bill James
* E-mail all County Commissioners

Charlotte City Council
Mayor Pat McCrory
At large: Susan Burgess; Anthony Foxx; John Lassiter; Pat Mumford
Districts: (1) Patsy Kinsey; (2) James Mitchell; (3) Warren Turner; (4) Michael Barnes; (5) Nancy G. Carter; (6) Andy Dulin; (7) Don Lochman
* E-mail all City Council Members

■ If you want to e-mail everyone (state and local officials): Click here
NC State and House Representative Directory

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Two Men Busted Stealing from House

Vigilant citizens helped Matthews police catch two men in the act of breaking into a home today. Police say a neighbor spotted a suspicious car outside a house on Atrium Way and called police.

Police responded and found Jonathan Cantu (Top pic) waiting in the car while Mark Amadi (Bottom pic) was inside burglarizing the home. Police said Amadi kicked in the back door of the home to gain entry. When he spotted police officers, he took off running but police caught him.

WBTV has a video showing the illegal items police found in the car of the two men. Police found a large plastic bag with marijuana bagged up and ready to sell... 32 grams of it! They also found over $300 in cash.

This isn't the first arrest for Cantu or Amadi. Cantu has several arrests for possession of drugs and driving without a license.

Amadi has a more serious criminal history including previous breaking and entering charges, possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of drug charges. In addition, Amadi had a warrant out for his arrest when he was arrested today.

Bank of Granite Robbed

Around 1:00 pm today, the Bank of Granite, located at 4415 Sharon Road was robbed. A white male entered the bank and demanded money from the teller. The suspect did not display a weapon but indicated he had one. The robber then escaped on foot.

Police searched the area with the K-9 unit but were unable to locate the suspect. The bank robber is described as a white male, approx. 6'2" with a thin build. He was wearing a red jacket and is described as having 3-4 days of facial hair.

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

Photo By: Jonathan Jones

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

The drug dealers made him do it?

WCNC reported about a Charlotte man who pled guilty to robbing a bank today. James Fairley admitted to robbing a Wachovia branch in the 9000 block of Albemarle Road in June of 2006.

Prosecutors said he was coerced into doing it by drug dealers. Police said drug dealers told him to come up with more money and told him if he didn’t rob the bank, they would kill him and his family.

The note Fairley passed during the bank robbery said, "You have 18 seconds to give me $600 or I am going to die. This is a bank robbery."

Prosecutors said Fairley will still spend time in jail but they expect a lighter sentence due to the circumstances.

* View Criminal Complaint filed with the US District Court.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : TROUPIS, ATHANASIOS KONSTANTION

* RAPE-2ND DEGREE BY FORCE AGAINST WILL OF VICTIM
* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE
* RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER







Name : SCHRAM, DAVID E

* ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON--SERIOUS INJURY - OTHER
* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE
* INJURY TO PERSONAL PROPERTY







Name : BINGHAM, RAY ANTHONY

* FEDERAL PRISONER
* TELEMARKETING/WIRE FRAUD
* View Court Docs: Indictment








Name : ALLEN, BRANDON ALEXANDER
-Habitual Repeat Offender -

* STOLEN VEHICLE - POSSESSING
* LARCENY (MISDEMEANOR) - $50-199
* DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED
* FICT/ALT/CNCL/REV REG. CARD/TAG






Name : BROWN, JAMES LESTER
* RAPE-2ND DEGREE-VICTIM MENTALLY/PHYSICALLY HELPLESS
* INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH CHILD
* SEX OFFENSE - PARENTAL ROLE

Monday, January 22, 2007

Woman Shot & Killed Man at Boulevard Homes

Update: CMPD reports Westbrook and Taylor were not brother and sister- only acquaintances. I spoke with a Sergeant in the Westover Division who advised CMPD has implemented a police task force in the area of the Boulevard Homes community to help cut crime in the area. According to the Sergeant, most of the crime in the area is committed by people who do not live in the public housing complex and police are doing everything they can to reduce crime in this struggling area of Charlotte.

Around 4:30 this afternoon, CMPD Westover Division officers were dispatched to Boulevard Homes, located at 1615 Burnette Ave in reference to one shot. When police arrived at the scene, they found Robert Griffin Taylor, 55, shot to death.

CMPD Homicide Detectives have arrested and charged Barbara Ann Westbrook, 46, with Murder. Police say the shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation between the victim and suspect.

Barbara Westbrook has a long criminal history. According to DOC records, Westbrook served jail time from 1979-1983 for common law robbery. She received probation for an assault with a deadly weapon charge in 1986 & for a DUI charge in 1990. In 1992, she was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon- inflicting serious injury. She was convicted of this charge in 1994 and she spent just over 2 years in jail. In 2001, she received a misdemeanor assault charge and received probation.

According to yesterday's arrest information, Westbrook lived at 1615 Burnette Ave. I would love to know why the Charlotte Housing Authority allows convicted felons to live in government backed housing. This is the second resident criminal this year to commit murder at a Charlotte Housing Authority property!

Photographer Jonathan Jones was at the scene and provided the shown photos:


Teenager Shot & Killed

UPDATE: 1/25/07- CMPD has announced they have made an arrested for the murder of Keyon Dial. They have a 14 year old suspect in custody. In addition, police have issued a murder warrant for Danielle Jackson.

A teenager was shot and killed Sunday afternoon on Custer Street near Beatties Ford Rd. Police say 17 year old Keyon Demario Dial was shot numerous times near the Mighty Mart after an argument with someone. He was taken to CMC and later died.

This is the second time Keyon was shot in the last year. Last January, he was shot at a bus stop along Beatties Ford Road. According to police, a group of teens in a burgundy car drove by and someone inside the vehicle shot Keyon Dial point blank in the chest. Gang investigators were involved in that shooting investigation, however, police have not said either shooting is gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Undercover Drug Sting

On Saturday night, CMPD Independence Division Officers conducted an undercover drug sting at the corner of Independence Boulevard and Idlewild Road. They were assisted by the Vice and Narcotics Bureau and an Officer from the North Tryon Division.

Independence Division Patrol Officers say they had received complaints of drugs and prostitution in the area and forwarded the information on to the Division's Gang Intelligence Unit liaison officer.




Working closely with detectives from the Vice and Narcotics Bureau, they developed a sting operation that led to the arrests five subjects.

Four of the suspects were arrested on felony drug charges and the fifth was arrested on misdemeanor drug related charges. Each of the suspects has prior arrests in Mecklenburg County.






Operation Arrests: (photos shown in order)

1: Maurice Antonio Holt : Sale and delivery of cocaine and conspiracy.

2: James C. Rorie: Sale and delivery of cocaine and conspiracy.

3: Nehemiah Augusta Moore: Sale and Delivery of cocaine, conspiracy, possession of marijuana, speeding and driving with a revoked license.




4: Shannon Felder: Sale and delivery of cocaine and conspiracy.

5: Cornelius Bolden: Loitering for drug activity and possession of drug paraphernalia.