Sunday, November 29, 2009

Detectives are Investigating a Homicide in Metro Division

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating a vehicle fire/homicide at 918 Cunningham Drive; which left one person deceased. The victim has been identified as Luis Miguel Catalan.

Shortly before 4:23 p.m. on November 28, 2009, Metro Division officers were dispatched to 918 Cunningham Drive in reference to a vehicle fire. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered a Dodge Durango fully engulfed in flames. Charlotte Fire Department extinguished the fire and upon further investigation, a deceased male was found in the driver seat of the vehicle.

Witnesses described two black males setting the vehicle on fire before fleeing the scene in a possible tan or beige Honda Accord or similar vehicle. One of the suspects is described as having dreadlocks.

This investigation is in its early stages. Detectives with the Homicide Unit, ADW Unit, CFD, Arson Task Force, Firearms and Gang Units are on scene and will continue to work the investigation. Crime Scene Search is on scene as well, photographing the scene and collecting physical evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective. Detective K. Martin is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

CMPD Seeking Hardees Robbery Suspect

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Armed Robbery Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a robbery suspect.
On November 14, 2009, the subject in the attached photographs robbed the Hardee’s restaurant located at 4201 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. by means of a handgun. The suspect committed this robbery at the drive through window and was last seen running from the scene on foot.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Detectives investigating a stabbing on Royston Road

Case Update: Saturday, November 21st- The victim in this case has been identified as Kevin Lee Johnson Jr., 20. His family has been notified of his death.

Gabrielle Marie Michaux, 17, has been charged with the murder of Mr. Johnson.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are investigating a stabbing at 2921 Royston Road which left one person dead.

The incident occurred at 5:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 21, 2009. The victim has been identified; pending notification of his next of kin, his name is being withheld.

Metro Division officers were dispatched to an altercation at 2921 Royston Road . The caller stated that her daughter was in a physical altercation with a male subject who had been living at the home.

Based on initial information and evidence gathered at the scene, indications are that the seventeen year old daughter of the homeowner stabbed the male victim during the course of the physical altercation.

This investigation is still in its initial stages. The daughter of the homeowner has been taken to police headquarters for questioning. The victim’s name will be released when his next of kin has been notified. It is important to note that this incident is not a random act of violence; all those involved are known to each other.

Detectives with the Homicide Unit and ADW Unit are on scene conducting the investigation. Crime Scene Search is on scene as well, photographing the scene and collecting physical evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit. Detective D. Osorio is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Detectives investigating a shooting off Arlyn Circle

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are investigating a shooting at 1620 Arlyn Circle which has left one person dead. The shooting occurred at 11:30 p.m., on Thursday, November 19, 2009. The victim has been identified as Jonathan Ray Nelson, 87.

A CMPD officer was working in a secondary employment capacity at an apartment complex on Arlyn Circle when he heard what sounded like glass breaking. At the time he thought it was possibly a larceny from auto in the area.

The officer placed a call for service to CMPD Communications at 2331 hours, requesting assistance from patrol officers in the area to respond to his location and circulate for a dark colored vehicle which he saw leaving the scene.

Two University City Division officers riding as a two man unit assigned to the Campus Crime Reduction Unit responded to the area and observed a dark colored vehicle with its headlights off leaving the area, heading for University City Boulevard. The officers initiated a traffic stop as the vehicle turned onto University City Blvd at 23:34 hours. Subsequent to their investigation, the officers detained the two occupants.

At 23:44 hours, an individual suffering from at least one gunshot wound was presented to Carolinas Medical Center-University. The individual with the gunshot wounds was Mr. Nelson.

He was driven there by his cousin, who stated that they were sitting in a car in a nearby apartment complex when they were approached by two men with their faces covered by ski masks. The witness stated that the two men approached them and attempted to rob them. During the course of the robbery, one of the suspects fired a handgun striking Mr. Nelson at least once. A firearm was recovered near the scene of the shooting.

The two suspects in custody are Jerry Fewell, 29, and Tahashi Tarine Matthews, 33. They are currently at police headquarters undergoing questioning. An update will be released in the morning with a list of charges.

Detectives with the Homicide Unit, ADW Unit, and Gang Unit are on scene conducting the investigation. Crime Scene Search is on scene as well, photographing the scene and collecting physical evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to an ADW Unit detective. Detective S. Ladd is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Homicide Detectives are investigating a Stabbing on Eastway Drive

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Detectives are investigating multiple stabbings that occurred at 1939 Eastway Drive, which left one person deceased. The deceased has been identified; pending notification of next of kin, his name is being withheld.

Shortly before 2:30 a.m. on November 15, 2009, Eastway Division officers responded to a call for service in reference to an assault with a deadly weapon.

The altercation stemmed from a verbal disagreement that took place at a local bar. When officers arrived, there were a total of three victims suffering from multiple stab wounds in the parking lot of the Townhomes of Ashbrook. All three victims were transported to CMC-Main with life-threatening injuries. Based on initial witness statements, the victims were stabbed subsequent to an altercation in the parking lot.

The suspects are described as five Hispanic males, two of which left in a green vehicle. This incident does not appear to be a random event, but rather an ongoing dispute. Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Homicide Detectives are in the process of interviewing multiple witnesses.

This investigation is in its early stages. Detectives with the Homicide Unit, ADW Unit, Vice and Narcotics, Firearms and Gang Units are on scene and will continue to work the investigation. Crime Scene Search is on scene as well, photographing the scene and collecting physical evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective. Detective A. Fant is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

CMPD's Crime Statistics Summary for Oct 2009

Crime Statistics Summary for October 2009 (Released November 10, 2009):

Through the end of October, the preliminary total for Index Offenses:
- 19.7% lower than the same ten months last year.
- Property crime decreased by -19.6% while violent crime was down -20.7%.
- 43 homicides were reported compared to 67 in the same period in 2008, resulting in a decrease of -35.8%.

* All but one of the violent Index crime categories experienced decreases over the same period last year:

- Total robberies decreased -22.5%.
- The number of rape offenses increased +15.7%.
- Aggravated assaults declined -21.5%.
- Burglary overall was down -20.0%, with declines of -16.1% in residential and -31.8% in commercial cases.
- Reports of vehicle thefts decreased by -37.9%.
- Total larceny cases declined by -16.1% with the larcenies from auto down by -23.5%.
- Total arson cases were down -22.0%.

* View Overall Index Report for October 2009.
* Overall and Division Summary Report for October 2009
* 2008 Year-End Report -- Overall and Division Summary

Thin Blue Line 5K Race: In Memory of Charlotte's Finest

Come out to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and Fire Training Academy on November 21st and join in for the First Annual Thin Blue Line Run!

Registration: Register on-line or print out the form and mail it in. The cost is ONLY $10.00 to run, or you can make any monetary donation in memory of Officers Clark and Shelton.

This 5k race is to help support the Charlotte’s Finest Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-pro-t organization set up to honor those officers who were killed in the line of duty. The Charlotte’s Finest Legacy Foundation was established to organize and raise money for a scholarship, in memory of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers Sean Clark and Jeffrey Shelton. The scholarship is to help those high school seniors who are wishing to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Show your support to honor Officer’s Clark and Shelton’s legacy! The 5K takes place at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and Fire Training Academy, 1770 Shopton Road, Charlotte, NC. The race starts at 8:00 am.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Robbery & Shooting at the Continental Inn off Sugar Creek Rd

An armed robbery/shooting occurred this morning at the Continental Inn located at 1100 W. Sugar Creek Road.

Police report a male victim was transported to CMC with gunshot wounds his leg. His injuries are non-life threatening at this time. This incident was the result of a robbery. The victim was going to visit someone at the hotel when he was approached by a masked black male suspect armed with a handgun.

The victim turned to run away and heard a gunshot at which time he fell. The suspect then took property from the victim and fled the scene on foot.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Detectives Investigating a Shooting off Willowglen Trail

Case Update: November 9, 2009 8:24 p.m.
Davon Londell Thomas turned himself in tonight at 8:00 p.m., at CMPD Headquarters. He will be transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office where he will remain in their custody. The CMPD wishes to thank the local media and citizens of Charlotte for their help with this investigation.

Case Update: November 7, 2009 5:10 p.m
The victim has been identified as Tigist Yemane, DOB: 12/12/1985. Her next of kin has been notified.

Case Update: November 7, 2009 1:09 pm: A murder warrant has been obtained for the arrest of Mr. Thomas. He remains on the loose and we reiterate that he is to be considered armed and dangerous. Please advise the public to call 911 immediately if they have any information as to his whereabouts.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are investigating a shooting at 9636 Willowglen Trail which has left one person dead. The victim has been identified; pending notification of next of kin, her name is being withheld.

Shortly before 5 a.m., on Saturday, November 7, 2009, University City Division officers responded to a 911 call in reference to an assault with a deadly weapon with injuries. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim lying on the floor, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds; she was pronounced deceased on scene by Medic.

The victim and the suspect, Davon Londell Thomas were involved in a dating relationship. Mr. Thomas and the victim arrived at his parent’s home on Willowglen Trail shortly before 5 a.m. Based on information gathered from witnesses, Mr. Thomas shot the victim multiple times shortly after they arrived at the house.

Mr. Thomas then fled the scene on foot. Patrol officers along with VCAT and SWAT are on scene searching for Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas was last seen wearing dark clothing and is 6’2” tall and about 225 pounds. If anyone sees Mr. Thomas, have them call 911 immediately.

A weapon was recovered on scene. It is unknown whether or not Mr. Thomas has additional weapons in his possession. The K-9 Unit and Helicopter Unit are on scene assisting in the search for Mr. Thomas. At this time, he is to be considered armed and dangerous. CMPD Homicide Unit Detectives are currently seeking a murder warrant for the arrest of Mr. Thomas.

Detectives with the Homicide Unit, ADW Unit, Firearms Enforcement Unit and VCAT Unit are on scene conducting the investigation. Crime Scene Search is on scene as well, photographing the scene and collecting physical evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to an ADW Unit detective. Detective Garry McFadden is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Shots Fired at Probation Officer/City Councilman

Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD Homicide Detectives are conducting an investigation of a shooting that occurred at 9924 Shadowood Lane involving a State Probation Officer/Charlotte City Councilman.

The Probation Officer, Warren Turner, was conducting a routine investigation in the area and was fired upon by someone he did not know. Mr. Turner officer was not injured.

Officer Turner engaged in a short foot pursuit. The suspect got into a vehicle and fled the scene. Officer Turner followed the subject and lost sight of the vehicle while calling in the suspect’s location to CMPD Communications.

A short time later, the Steele Creek Division officers spotted the vehicle in the Woodlawn Road area and gave pursuit. The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle turned into the church parking lot of the Clanton Presbyterian Church located at 335 Freeland Avenue.

Officers were able to apprehend the suspect after a short foot pursuit without incident. Derrick Alan Daniels, was taken into custody and is currently being interviewed by detectives. In addition, Homicide Detectives are conducting a canvass of the neighborhood. Crime Scene Search is collecting physical evidence.

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

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Charlotte Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery

Damion Mattice Geter, 31, of Charlotte was sentenced Thursday, October 29, 2009 by The Honorable Robert J. Conrad, Jr., Chief U.S. District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina, to serve four years and three months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release in connection with two Charlotte bank robberies.

Geter was also ordered to pay restitution to the subject banks in the total amount of $4,434. Geter entered a guilty plea on October 14, 2008 to two separate counts alleging bank robbery; one in connection with the robbery of the Coastal Federal Credit Union located at 1835 West W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, on October 1, 2007, and the second in connection with the robbery of the Bank of America located at 7911 Providence Road in Charlotte.

The case was investigated by officers of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and agents of the Charlotte FBI Office. Geter has been in federal custody since April 18, 2008.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Park Road SunTrust Bank Robbed

The SunTrust Bank located at 4011 Park Road was robbed this morning. Witnesses say the suspect is a black man, in his 20's, about 5'7" tall, with a goatee and a tattoo on the left side of his neck. He was seen leaving the bank and heading toward Park Road Shopping Center. No one was hurt during the robbery.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte FBI at 704-377-9200.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

CMPD Investigates 5th Street Sexual Assault Case

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Sexual Assault Unit is investigating a sexual assault that occurred in the area of 200 East 5th Street.

On November 3, 2009, just before 3:30 am, officers from the Central Division were dispatched to Mercy Hospital in reference to a sexual assault report. The victim told officers that between 2:15 and 2:30 a.m. she was walking on the sidewalk that runs along side of the light rail line from Dixie’s Tavern to retrieve her vehicle at the Epicentre when she was approached from behind by two men.

The victim stated the men proceeded to force her into an unknown location and sexually assaulted her. The victim told investigators following the attack the suspects ran away before she drove herself to Mercy Hospital.

The suspects in this case are described as two light skinned black males who were wearing dark clothing. Investigators from the Sexual Assault Unit and officers from the Central Division conducted extensive canvasses and interviews in the area following the incident. Investigators are also reviewing video from several surveillance cameras mounted in Center City.

The Central Division will continue to aggressively patrol the entertainment district, paying particular attention to the area in which this crime took place. They will also monitor the area for individuals walking alone to provide personal safety information to prevent future crimes from occurring. Crimes of this type are rare in the Center City, and there have been no crimes with corresponding similarities of this nature reported this year.

Anyone with information on this case can call to speak directly to lead Sexual Assault Detective J. Bumgarner at 704-353-0094. Anonymous tips can also be phoned in to our Crime Stoppers tip line at 704-334-1600.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Homicide Detectives Investigating Homicide on Freedom Drive

Case Update: November 3, 2009: Earlier today, CMPD Homicide Detectives arrested Damine Russell Fair, for the murder of James Demarel Hardrick II. Mr. Fair was taken into custody without incident and is currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
This case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective. Detective S. Sarvis is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
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Case Update: November 2, 2009, 8:10 pm: CMPD Homicide Detectives are currently looking for another vehicle in relation to the homicide investigation. There is no specific description at this time, so if anyone recognizes this vehicle or have any information about this incident, you are asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
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Case Update: November 2, 2009, 2:13 p.m.
CMPD Homicide Detectives have located the white Ford Explorer in connection with the case and are continuing to aggressively investigate all leads. No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
__________________________________________________________________ Case Update: November 1, 2009 1:39 p.m.
In reference to the homicide that occurred at 2745 Freedom Drive , CMPD Homicide Detectives are currently looking for the aforementioned vehicle, which is believed to be a white Ford Explorer with a sunroof and tinted windows. One of the windows has some damage. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Detectives are investigating a shooting at 2745 Freedom Dr , which left one person dead. The victim has been identified as James Demarel Hardrick II, DOB 07/20/1990.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m. (EDT), on Sunday, November 1, 2009, Metro Division officers responded to a 911 call for service in reference to shots fired in the parking lot of the McDonalds. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim in his vehicle in the parking lot next to the business. Medic arrived on scene and pronounced the victim deceased shortly after arrival.

This investigation is in its early stages. Detectives with the Homicide Unit, ADW Unit, and Gang Unit are on scene and will continue to work the investigation. Crime Scene Search is on scene as well, photographing the scene and collecting physical evidence.

Based on initial witness statements, the victim was shot subsequent to an altercation in the parking lot. This incident does not appear to be a random event, but rather an ongoing dispute. Homicide Detectives are in the process of interviewing multiple witnesses. Officers are currently looking for a white Ford Expedition with a sunroof, driven by a black male, in relation to this case. The vehicle was last seen heading inbound on Freedom Drive.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective. Detective S. Sarvis is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.