Man Kills Wife, Children & Self on Providence Square Drive

Case Update: The victims have been identified as Nateesha Ward Chapman (estranged wife), Nakyiah Jael Chapman (daughter) and Na’Jhae Parker (daughter). The suspect in this case has been identified as Kenneth Jermaine Chapman (father).

The manners of deaths are three homicides and a suicide. The cause of death has yet to be established in reference to the homicides. The male suffered from a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office will make the determination upon the conclusion of their investigation.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and ADW Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three people found deceased at 6930 Providence Square Drive, Apartment 179 . The call for service came in at 11:13 p.m., on Monday, March 29, 2010. The identities of the victims in this case will be released upon family notification.

Independence Division officers responded to a call for service to check the welfare placed by a relative (an uncle) of an adult female who resides at the apartment along with her husband and four children. The uncle called 911 tonight to have officers respond to the scene to assist him in making contact with his niece. When officers arrived on scene, the front door to the apartment was open. Officers noticed the husband standing on the stairs inside the apartment. Shortly after officers called out to him, they heard two gunshots from inside the apartment. After the gunshots, two young children ran unharmed outside of the apartment.

When officers entered the apartment to investigate, they located the husband suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Upon a search of the apartment, officers located two deceased children who resided at the apartment. At this initial stage of the investigation, it is believed that the victims are a one year old and twelve year old child. Medic pronounced the children and adult male deceased on scene. It appears that the children have been deceased for several days before tonight’s incident. Their manner of death has yet to be determined. The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office will be responsible for determining the cause of death.

Based on information gathered from family members, at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, detectives responded to 5638-G, Via Romano Drive to search for the adult female. When detectives entered the apartment, they found her deceased. It appears that she has been deceased for some time. She is a lease holder of the apartment in which she was found deceased. Her manner of death has yet to be determined. The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office will be responsible for determining the cause of death.

Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence. Detectives with the Youth Crime and Domestic Violence Unit also responded to assist with the investigation.

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

Summons Obtained in Case Involving a Former CMS Principal

On Monday, March 29, 2010, Special Victims Division Detective T.R. Johnson obtained a Criminal Summons on former Vance High School Principal Philip Cauthen.

On October 12, 2009, the victim, a student at Vance High School, reported that he and Mr. Cauthen engaged in a verbal altercation in the school’s main office. The victim reported that he was told to enter Mr. Cauthen’s office, at which time the victim advised he was physically assaulted by Mr. Cauthen. The victim was a 16 year old student at Vance High School at the time of the incident. His name is being withheld due to privacy concerns.

This case was initially investigated by School Resource Officer M. A. Cuthbertson, and through his investigation, he was unable to determine if a physical assault had occurred. CMS Law Enforcement began an internal investigation, and determined this case to be a personnel matter. Det. Johnson was assigned this case on January 20, 2010. Through his investigation, which included interviewing the victim and several witnesses, he was able to obtain Criminal Summons earlier today.

Former CMS Teacher Arrested for Sexual Activity with a Student

Case Update: On Thursday, March 25, 2010, Special Victims Division Detective David Turner obtained an additional warrant on Brett Haight for Taking Incident Liberties with a Student.

The victim was a 16-year old student at Olympic High School when the crime occurred; her name is being withheld due to privacy concerns. Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Deputies served the warrant on Mr. Haight this afternoon. Mr. Haight is currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
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Brett Haight was arrested at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday, February 05, 2010, and charged with Sexual Activity with a Student. Detective David Turner with the Special Victim’s Division, Youth Crime and Domestic Violence is the lead investigator. Mr. Haight is a former teacher at Olympic High School and resigned on January 6, 2010. The victim in this case is 17 year old female student at Olympic High School; her name is being withheld due to privacy concerns.

Detective Turner was first made aware of alleged misconduct between Mr. Haight and the victim on December 1, 2009, and has been aggressively investigating this case since then. Detective Turner worked closely with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Law Enforcement during the course of the investigation. As a result of the investigation, it has been determined that the sexual activity occurred at the home of the suspect; additional inappropriate conduct occurred on school grounds. Detective Turner is continuing to investigate whether or not additional students may have been victimized.

Detectives Investigating Homicide in University City Division

UPDATE: CMPD Homicide Detectives have identified the suspect in this case as Clay Martin Collison.

He has been charged with one count of Murder and two counts of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of Heroin. Mr. Collison has been transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office where he will remain in their custody. This was not a random act of violence; the suspect was a known associate of the victim in this case.
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Homicide and A/D/W Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are conducting an investigation into a homicide that took place at 5540 Shopping Center Drive at 6:59 p.m., in the University City Division. The deceased has been identified; his name is being withheld pending family notification.

University City Division officers responded to a call for service shortly before 7:00 p.m. in reference to a shooting and upon arrival found the victim in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. Medic pronounced the victim deceased on scene.

The initial investigation shows that a struggle ensued and during the altercation, one of the victims suffered a fatal gunshot wound when the suspect discharged his weapon. The suspect then fled on foot to an adjacent strip mall where he was apprehended a short time later by responding University City Division officers. A weapon was recovered on scene.

The other victim has been transported to the Law Enforcement Center where he is cooperating with Homicide Detectives.

Detectives with the Homicide, ADW, Gang and Firearms Units 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. Detective N. McKee is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Arrest Made in the Seigle Avenue Robbery & Shooting

UPDATE: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has arrested Demonte Johnson for his role in an armed robbery and shooting which occurred at 633 Seigle Avenue.

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Mr. Johnson assisted two other suspects who entered the DRK Barber Shop and demanded money. The victim resisted and was shot in the groin. The suspects took money from the victim’s pockets. An employee of the barber shop returned fire at the suspects, who in turn shot at him before fleeing the area in a vehicle.

An Eastway Division Officer used the CMPD’s Electronic Monitoring System to see if any offenders currently on electronic monitoring were in the area at the time of the robbery. The system indicated that Mr. Johnson was at the scene at the time of the robbery and witnesses positively identified Mr. Johnson as a suspect in the armed robbery.

Mr. Johnson was quickly located by Eastway Division Officers and arrested without incident. He is currently in the Mecklenburg County Jail facing charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection to Tuesday’s incident.
Demonte Johnson was placed on electronic monitoring on February 25, 2010, after posting a $375,000 bond for a January 18, 2010, armed robbery charge which is still pending.

CMPD Robbery Detectives are still looking for two other suspects involved in the armed robbery. The first suspect is described a dark skinned black male 5’11”, 190 pounds wearing a dark blue and grey puffy jacket.

The second suspect is described as a black male 5’9”, 195 pounds wearing a grey and black jacket. If anyone has information regarding this case they are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Tipsters who provide information on the case may earn a reward of up to $1,000.

Wachovia Bank on Hovis Road Robbed

Shortly after 3 pm, a bank robbery occurred at the Wachovia bank located at 5641 Hovis Road. Witness say the suspect is a black man, in his late 20's, about 6'2", and about 180 pounds.

Witnesses also said he used a white Honda Accord as a getaway vehicle, which police later discovered had been stolen earlier in the day.

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

Shooting outside Bentley's RSVP Club

Case Update:
Ø Four victims were shot outside of Bentley’s RSVP Club, 305 W. 4th Street, at approximately 2:22 a.m., on Saturday, March 20, 2010
Ø It has been confirmed that there had been an altercation inside the club between two black females prior to the shootings.
Ø The two females and their male companions were asked to leave and exited the club.

CMPD detectives are seeking the identity of the following:
- (2) Black females who were fighting inside the club just after 2 a.m.

- (1) Black male, described as approximately 21-24 years old, dreadlocks; shoulder length, “Baby face;” with no visible facial hair, Light skinned, 6’2 - 6’3, 150-160lbs, Wearing a Charlotte Hornets colors (old jersey), purple shirt and jeans White T-Shirt under Jersey and a baseball cap; purple in color with a letter “A” displayed
J’s tennis shoes (Michael Jordon’s. Witnesses described this individual as a possible shooter

- (1) Black male, described as approximately 25-28 years old, 5’8, 180lbs,muscular build, Darker skinned with Goatee, Longer dreadlocks; past his shoulders and were tired back into a ponytail, Black sunglasses with gold trim, Wearing a Rocawear button up shirt; front side was light color with logo on back, old chain around his neck with cross.

The above subjects are Persons of Interest in the investigation at this time.

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department ADW Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a shooting in the parking lot area of 305 West 4th Street. Four people received gunshot wounds and were transported to area hospitals. The call for service came in at 1:54 a.m., on Saturday, March 20, 2010.

Central Division officers responded to a call for service regarding an argument between two males which began inside Bentley’s and spilled over into the street. The argument turned violent when one of the males pulled out a firearm and began shooting. Two people standing in the parking lot were shot; one was shot in the chest, the other was shot in the foot. They were both transported to Presbyterian Hospital for treatment. The victim who was shot in the chest is in stable condition; the victim shot in the foot has a non-life threatening injury. Two other victims who were driving along West 4th Street were shot in the head. These two victims were transported to Carolinas Medical Center, with non-life threatening injuries. The vehicle they were driving in crashed at the corner of West 4th Street and South Mint Street.

This investigation is in its initial stages. ADW Unit detectives will continue to actively investigate this incident throughout Saturday. The limited suspect description at this time is a black male with dreads, about 6’ tall.

Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to an ADW Unit Detective. Detective Caldwell is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CMPD Investigating Homicide on Swearngan Road

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a stabbing which left one person dead. The incident took place inside a vehicle which was parked along the 5100 block of Swearngan Road, which is located in CMPD's North Division. The call for service came in at 8:43 p.m. today.

North Division officers responded to a call for service placed by the resident at 5116 Swearngan Road in reference to a male subject knocking on his door who was bleeding from the result of some type of assault. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim lying on the porch suffering from apparent bodily trauma, later determined to be stab wounds. The victim had a faint heart beat and life saving techniques were begun in an ambulance before the victim succumbed to his injuries at 8:54 p.m.; the victim was pronounced deceased on scene by Medic.

Based on initial witness statements, the victim was inside a dark colored vehicle, possibly a Chrysler Pacifica. He was with at least one other person at the time of assault. There was an altercation inside the vehicle which led to the stabbing of the victim, who then fled the vehicle on foot in an effort to avoid further harm. The victim made his way to 5116 Swearngan Road, where he collapsed on the porch.

The suspect vehicle fled through the neighborhood in the direction of Beatties Ford Road. At this time there is every indication to believe that this is not a random act of violence and that all parties involved had a prior relationship.

Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective M. Santiago is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Detectives Investigating a Shooting off Shamrock Drive

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Robbery Unit and ADW Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into an apparent robbery attempt in which the suspected robber was shot once in the neck by his intended victim. The incident took place in the common area of 3231 Shamrock Drive. The call for service came in at 9:54 p.m., on Thursday, March 11, 2010.

North Tryon Division officers responded to several calls for service placed by the residents of the apartment complex stating that they heard shots fired in the area. When officers arrived at the scene, they located a male subject, later determined to be the suspect, staggering through the parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

The suspect was taken into custody and Medic treated his wounds on scene and then transported him to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment. At this time, the injury can be classified as non-life threatening; the suspect was alert and combative on scene with officers. Two firearms were recovered on scene and collected to be placed into evidence. This investigation is in its initial stages. When additional information becomes available it will be released through the CMPD Public Affairs Office.

The shooter, robbery victim, remained on scene and also called 911 to report the incident. He is cooperating with the investigation and will be transported to police headquarters to give a detailed statement. Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. The lead detective in this case is T. Ledford, with the Robbery Unit.

Sexual Assault Unit Arrests Rape Suspect

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit would like to announce the arrest of Jason Lee Mojica, for a forcible rape that occurred on August 8th, 2007.

The victim in this case reported to police that she was walking in the 7500 block of Forest Point Boulevard when she was approached by two unidentified assailants and forced into the woods where one of the suspects sexually assaulted her.

On March 4 2010, the CMPD Crime Lab contacted the Sexual Assault Unit with identification of the suspect based on biological evidence that was collected. Utilizing this information, along with other evidence in the case, Detectives signed warrants on Mr. Mojica for first degree rape and first degree kidnapping.

CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team was contacted and began actively searching for Mr. Mojica. Information was developed to indicate that Mr. Mojica was in New York . VCAT worked closely with the US Marshal’s Service who arrested Mr. Mojica on Thursday, March 11th in the Bronx .

The Sexual Assault Unit would like to thank the Steele Creek Division, the CMPD Crime Lab, VCAT and the US Marshal’s Service for their assistance in the apprehension of this dangerous offender.

The Sexual Assault Unit is still working to identify the second suspect from this incident. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Detective L. Orlov is the lead detective assigned to the case. She can be reached at 704-336-8279.

March Shred-It Campaign in South Charlotte

March 13th - 8th Annual South Park shredding event 9am-1pm
4400 Sharon Road Charlotte, NC 28211
We will have about eight Shred-it trucks set up in the parking lot off Barclay Downs near Symphony Park and Dicks Sporting Goods (rain or shine)

April 17th from 9am-1pm - National BBB Secure your ID Day
Jay M. Robinson Middle School
5925 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 28277
Off Hwy 485 at Providence Road

Robbery Suspect Arrested by CMPD

Police say a man robbed someone outside of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office late Wednesday night. The robbery happened after 11 p.m. in Uptown Charlotte.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Eddie Price Jr., 23, walked up to the victim and robbed the person before running away. The victim was not injured during the robbery. Price was arrested a short time later by sheriff's deputies.

Price has been charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail under a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday afternoon.

Price has been arrested nine times in the past few years in Mecklenburg County including charges for trespassing, breaking and entering, and resisting arrest.

CMPD To Participate In 'First 48' Show

Charlotte-Mecklenburg detectives don't typically release much information about active homicide cases. In fact, they rarely talk publicly about cases even after arrests are made. Eyewitness News has learned that the department plans to participate in a new reality show that will require them to give unprecedented access into the inner workings of homicide investigations.

The First 48, which airs on A&E, follows homicide detectives on cases across the country. Memphis, Detroit and Philadelphia are just a few of the cities that have participated in the show. Its premise is that if investigators don’t have a lead within the first 48 hours after a murder, their odds of solving the case are cut in half. The show’s cameras are there for every step of homicide investigations.

CMPD Homicide Capt. Paul Zinkann said the show approached department officials, who ultimately decided participating would be a good thing for them and for the city. Zinkann said the show would be a good way “to show the community the effects homicide has on families and communities and to highlight the tenacity of the work by detectives that investigate these cases."

Beginning in a few weeks, crews will tag along with detectives, spending nearly every waking moment with them. The access is a drastic departure from the policy CMPD and the district attorney's office generally abide by, which is to say nothing at all.

“We just don’t make any comment on any case where charges have been filed, and we really don’t talk about any investigation,” District Attorney Peter Gilchrist said.

Even though the First 48 waits eight to 12 months to air episodes, it can take years for some cases to go to court. That concerns Gilchrist, who said he is worried about intimate details being released before trial.

“We don’t want any evidence out there,” Gilchrist said. “We can’t tell the public what the facts and circumstances are about a case. The jury shouldn’t be prejudiced before they hear the state’s case.”

Memphis police said they cut ties with the show after deciding it portrayed the city in a negative light, but CMPD hopes viewers see it differently.

“It’s also important to always highlight that homicides we do have,” Zinkann said. “We have men and women who stand ready to go after each and every person that commits a homicide.”

Detectives Investigating a Gang Shooting- Bystander Shot

Case Update: Thursday, March 11, 2010: Early this morning, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT), were able to locate and apprehend the following in reference to the shooting along Independence Boulevard. The vehicle involved in this incident was located and is being processed.

- Jonathan Daniel Reyes
- Gabriel Cisneros
- Daniel Hernandez Jiminez

All subjects were charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury and Assault with a Deadly Weapon. This incident does appear to have stemmed from apparent gang activity.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a shooting which occurred in the parking lot of BJ’s warehouse. The shooting victim, a 10th grade student at East Mecklenburg High School , received a non-life threatening injury and was transported to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment. The call for service came in at 2:26 p.m., on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. The juvenile victim has been identified; her parents are currently with her at CMC.

Independence Division officers received a call for service in reference to a fight in the parking lot of BJ’s involving a group of Hispanic males. Shortly after officers were dispatched to that call, another call was received stating that someone had been shot while walking along the sidewalk of Conference Drive , which also runs alongside BJ’s. When officers arrived, they found the victim lying on the sidewalk suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the left leg.

Based upon preliminary statements from witnesses, the shooter was part of a group of Hispanic males that had an altercation and went to a vehicle and retrieved a gun. He then pointed the gun into the area where the altercation was taking place and fired multiple times. The victim, who was not part of the group and was simply walking home from school, was struck as she walked along Conference Drive . The suspect in this case is described as a Hispanic male, about 5’10” tall, 150 pounds with short black hair. He is described as wearing blue jeans and was not wearing a shirt. He fled the scene heading east on Independence Boulevard in an older model silver in color Nissan Altima.

Detectives with the Gang Unit and Firearms Enforcement Division assisted the Homicide Unit with this investigation from its initial stages. Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence.

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

Charlotte Crime Statistics for February 2010

Through the end of February, the preliminary total for Index Offenses was -17.5% lower than this time last year. Property crime decreased by -18.9% while violent crime decreased by -7.3%.
* 7 homicides were reported through February 2010 compared to the same amount, 7 in 2009.

* All of the violent Index crime categories experienced decreases:
- 287 robberies were reported compared to 308, resulting in a decrease of -6.8%

* 29 rapes were reported compared to 33, resulting in a decrease of -12.1%.

* 393 aggravated assaults were reported compared to 424, resulting in a decrease of -7.3%.

* Burglary overall was down -10.0%, (1293 compared to 1437) with a decrease of -1.6% in residential (1073 compared to 1091) and -36.4% in commercial cases (220 compared to 346).

* 388 vehicle thefts were reported compared to 620, resulting in a decrease of -37.4%.

* Total larceny cases declined by -19.3% (3146 compared to 3897) with the larcenies from auto down by -32.5% (1415 compared to 2096).

* 45 arson cases were reported compared to 50, resulting in a decrease of -10.0%

- To view the complete February 2010 Stats press conference, follow the link to our YouTube site.

- View Overall Index Report for February 2010.

- Overall and Division Summary Report for February 2010

Robbery Detectives Conducting an Investigation on Waterford Lakes Drive

Robbery Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are conducting an investigation into a robbery that took place at 7604 Waterford Lakes Drive at 4:32a.m., in the Steele Creek Division. The victim has been identified as 24-year old Selina Ife Eliza Angel Kuareden-Morris.

Steele Creek Division officers responded to a call for service shortly after 4:30 a.m. in reference to a shooting and upon arrival found the victim lying in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. Medic arrived and transported the victim to Carolinas Medical Center with life threatening injuries. During the investigation, the victim advised Robbery Detectives that she was robbed by two young black males.

Detectives with the Robbery Unit are conducting the investigation. A CMPD K-9 Unit was called to track the suspects but they were not located. Crime Scene Search responded to the scene, photographed and collecting physical evidence.

Detective R. Carroll is the lead detective assigned to the case. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Those who provide important information vital to the case may earn a reward of up to $1,000 dollars.

Ex-Husband Shot in Domestic Violence Dispute

Case Update: Saturday, March 3, 2010: Homicide Detectives determined that the incident was a domestic disturbance involving a dispute between the victim who was the ex-husband and the wife’s current boyfriend.

The victim in this case is identified as Satmar Colmenares, 33. His family has been notified. Detectives worked through out the night interviewing witnesses and processing the scene for physical evidence. No criminal charges are being sought at this time. This case will be reviewed with the Mecklenburg County District Attorneys Office early next week.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a domestic violence related shooting which left one person dead. The shooting took place at 6201 Breckfield Court in the Steele Creek Division. The call for service came in at 8:21 p.m., on Friday, March 5, 2010. The deceased has been identified; his name is being withheld pending family notification.

Steele Creek Division officers responded to a call for service placed by the homeowner stating that a known subject, the deceased, came to the house and threatened the resident. When officers arrived at the home, they located the deceased lying outside the residence on the front porch suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Medic pronounced the deceased on scene. Based on initial witness statements, the male resident was home with his girlfriend, who is the former wife of the deceased. The deceased arrived at the home and began threatening them.

A struggle ensued and during the altercation, the deceased suffered a fatal gunshot wound. The residents remained on scene and are cooperating with the investigation. They will be transported to police headquarters to give detailed statements. This is not a random act of violence, as all involved parties are known to each other.

Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence.

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

Crime on the Rise in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

The state just released the crime figures from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district reported 1,298 criminal acts happening on campuses last school year. This number is up by about 15% from the previous school year.

There was a jump in assaults on school personnel and students bringing weapons to school. While crime was rising on CMS campuses, students bringing a firearm to school dramatically decreased. CMS reports four times students brought a gun to school. The number was 17 last year.

West Mecklenburg High School had the highest number of criminal activity last year. It reported 108 acts of crime from students. The activity consists of bringing drugs on campus to assaulting school staff.

Detectives Investigating a Homicide off The Plaza

Case Update: 3/11/10: Earlier tonight, Mr. Fernandez was taken into custody by officers with VCAT, SWAT and Vice & Narcotics. Mr. Fernandez is currently at CMPD police headquarters and will be transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office where he will remain in their custody.
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Case Update: Homicide Detectives have signed a murder warrant on Ramon Fernandez in reference to the homicide investigation at 6424 #D, The Plaza. Ramon Fernandez is an Hispanic male and he should be considered armed and dangerous.

VCAT is currently searching for Mr. Fernandez. Anyone with information about Mr. Fernandez’s where about is asked to call 704.336.VCAT. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective T. Purdy is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a shooting at 6424 #D The Plaza, which resulted in the death of the victim. The call for service came in at 8:16 p.m. The victim has been identified as Victor Hugo Mazariegos.

North Tryon Division officers received a call for service in reference to a person shot inside the above listed apartment. When they arrived, they found a male subject lying on the floor suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Medic pronounced the victim deceased on scene.

Based on preliminary witness statements, the victim and the suspect, Ramon Fernandez, (who shared the apartment with two other roommates) got into a verbal argument that escalated to the point where Fernandez shot the victim. The suspect then ran out of the apartment and fled the complex. The manner in which the suspect fled the apartment is unknown at this initial stage of the investigation. Officers and detectives are currently searching for the suspect. It is important to note that this is not a random act of violence.

Detectives with the A/D/W Unit and Firearms Enforcement Division assisted the Homicide Unit with this investigation from its initial stages. Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence.

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

CMPD Officers Apprehend Robbery Suspects

Case Update: The suspects in this case have been identified: Brian Douglas Gartland. The second suspect is a 15-year old juvenile; his name is being withheld.


Mr. Gartland will be transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office later tonight. Once a Secure Custody Order is obtained for the juvenile, he will be transported to a juvenile detention facility. Both suspects are facing two counts of armed robbery and one count of first degree burglary.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Robbery Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into two related robberies which occurred at 8801 East WT Harris Boulevard at 7:14 p.m., and 7022 #B Bonlyn Drive at 7:36 p.m., In addition, Homicide Unit Detectives are investigating an officer involved shooting related to the apprehension of the suspects which took place after the Bonlyn Drive robbery.

CMPD Officers responded to a call for service at 7020 Lawyers Road regarding a robbery from person. It was later learned that the actual robbery took place at 8801East WT Harris Boulevard. The victim reported to responding officers that he was robbed at gunpoint by two suspects while in the parking lot of the BackStage Club.

Hickory Grove Division officers obtained detailed suspect descriptions and began circulating the area nearby. While circulating the Brookridge Apartments, officers were flagged down by a witness who had seen the suspects armed with handguns running into an apartment at 7022 #B Bonlyn Drive, where they committed the second robbery.

The witness pointed to and identified the two suspects who had stepped out from behind a building. Once the officers saw the suspects, they gave chase on foot. During the chase, the two suspects split up, as did the two officers who were pursuing them.

During the foot pursuit, Hickory Grove Division Officer Robert Henderson fired his weapon at least twice after ordering the suspect to drop his firearm. The suspect was not struck and was immediately apprehended; the firearm was located in close proximity to where he was taken into custody. The second suspect was also taken into custody a short time later by the second Hickory Grove Division officer. A subsequent search of the area located a second firearm in close proximity to where the second suspect was taken into custody.

The Robbery Unit is currently interviewing both suspects at police headquarters. The names of the suspects and the charges they are facing will be released later tonight.

As per department policy, the Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation into the actions taken by Officer Robert Henderson. A separate parallel investigation will be conducted by the Internals Affairs Division to ensure that CMPD Directives were followed. Officer Henderson has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Matthews PD Captures Residential Burglary Suspect

On March 1, 2010, Matthews Police received a call from a resident off of Four Lakes Drive reporting a suspect apparently attempting to break into a neighbor's home, officers located and subsequently arrested a local subject who has now been charged in multiple offenses.

The 22-year old suspect, Wynton Lewis Coleman, was arrested for Attempted Breaking and Entering and Possession of Stolen Property. As a result of our investigators' interviews, and a search of the suspect’s home, we are now preparing to charge Coleman with five recent residential burglaries, including three in Pine Forest, as well as the thefts of the laptop computers from offices in the downtown area. Some of the stolen property was recovered at his residence.

This arrest resulted from the call from an observant citizen. We urge all citizens to remain observant, get to know your neighbors, and to call the police anytime you observe something suspicious!