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| Lareko Williams |
CMPD Patrol Officers responded to a third party call reporting that a black male was beating and choking a black female at the Lynx station. Responding officers were given a detailed description of both the male and the female by the caller who reported that the male continued to punch the female while she was on the ground.
Officer Forbes was the first officer on scene and encountered the couple on the platform. Officer Forbes attempted to arrest the suspect and deployed an Electronic Control Device (TASER X26) in an attempt to gain compliance.
After taking the suspect into custody, Officer Forbes noted that the suspect was unresponsive and immediately called for MEDIC and the Charlotte Fire Department who arrived on scene at approx. 10:45 pm. Once first responders arrived on scene, they immediately began CPR and continued CPR during transport to Carolinas Medical Center and upon arrival at CMC. The suspect was pronounced deceased at 11:40 pm. He has been identified as Lareko Williams, 21.
Officer M. Forbes has been a member of the CMPD since September 24, 2007. He is currently assigned to the Westover Division as a Patrol Officer. Detectives with the Homicide Unit are conducting the death investigation while Detectives with the Internal Affairs Unit will conduct a separate but parallel investigation to determine whether or not CMPD policies and procedures were followed during the course of the incident. The female victim who was with the suspect has been transported to police headquarters to be interviewed as well as additional witnesses.
Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene 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 Ladd is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
* READ CHIEF RODNEY MONROE'S STATEMENT