Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Man Tried and Convicted for the 2007 Murder of Jamar Flowers

Kevin Powell
Kevin Powell, 30, was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder in the killing of 28-year-old Jamar Flowers.

After a week long trial, the jury returned its verdict on Monday, August 29, 2011, in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. The Honorable Timothy S. Kincaid, Superior Court Judge, presided over the trial and sentenced the defendant to 189-236 months in prison.

On March 10, 2007, Mr. Flowers was found shot to death in his apartment at 6518 Wisteria Lane. An autopsy showed that Mr. Flowers had been shot six times. Evidence at trial indicated that the murder may have occurred during a robbery or attempted robbery of marijuana from Mr. Flowers.

During the investigation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers located a cell phone next to Mr. Flowers’ body and were able to identify the cell phone as the defendant’s. Prior to being arrested, the defendant was interviewed by detectives and admitted that the phone was his but that he had lost it early in the night on March 10, 2007.

During his interview, the defendant gave numerous accounts of his whereabouts that evening as well as when he was at those places. The cell phone and cell tower records showed that the defendant was within a mile of the apartment on Wisteria Lane around the time of the murder despite the defendant’s claims that he was on a different side of town.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

CMPD Detectives Investigating Homicide in Metro Division

UPDATE: Mr. Hamid El passed away earlier this morning as a result of the gunshot injury he sustained. Homicide Unit Detectives have arrested Desmon Antoine Curry and charged him with the murder of Mr. Hamid El.  The shooter, Desmon Curry will remain in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide and ADW Unit are conducting an investigation into a shooting which took place near the intersection of North Church Street and West 24th Street in the Metro Division. The call for service was reported at 2:13 this morning.  The shooting victim, Tariq Hamid El (AKA Bobby Steele) was transported to Carolinas Medical Center with life threatening injuries.

Metro Division officers responded to the above listed intersection in reference to an ADW call placed by the driver of a vehicle who claimed that he was involved in a moving altercation with the driver of another vehicle. The caller stated that he did fire multiple gunshots at the second vehicle. When Metro Division patrol officers arrived on scene, they located the victim inside his vehicle on West 24th Street suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Medic transported the victim to CMC with life threatening injuries.

The caller remained on scene and is currently being interviewed at police headquarters. Detectives are requesting that anyone who may have witnessed two vehicles driving aggressively around the area 24th Street and Tryon Street in the minutes leading up to the shooting to please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Santiago is the lead detective assigned to the case.

Was it a full moon last week?  Mr. Hamid El is the 5th murder victim in the past week...  So much for our homicide numbers being low for 2011. 

Wanted by CMPD: Reginald Martin

Reginald Martin
Reginald Martin is wanted by the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) for outstanding warrants for interfering with an electronic monitoring device, damage to property, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Martin has been on CMPD electronic monitoring since his May 17, 2011 release from jail on bond for a pending armed robbery and assault charge which occurred on May 3, 2011.

On August 27, 2011,  Martin cut off his court ordered electronic monitor and is currently on the run from police. Martin was last seen in the area of the CATS transit center in uptown Charlotte.

Martin is a habitual felon with an extensive arrest history in Mecklenburg County including armed robberies, drugs and felony assaults.  Martin should not have been out on the streets with only an electronic monitoring in the first place but it seems to be 'all the rage' with the Mecklenburg County courts and CMPD these days.

Anyone with information on Martin’s whereabouts should immediately contact the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) at (704) 336-VACT or call 911. 

According to CMPD, Martin is the 16th offender to cut off a CMPD electronic monitor in 2011. In 2011, less than 2% of the offenders monitored cut off their monitors and all of the previous 15 offenders have been re-captured.

Two Men Arrested for Stealing Water Meters & Selling for Scrap

Pater Payne
On August 16th, representatives from the CMUD (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department) notified the CMPD that they were having a problem with water meters being stolen in the Metro and Eastway Divisions.

CMPD Metro officers spoke with different scrapyard businesses which operate in the Metro Division as well as citizens who live where the thefts were occurred.

Based on this information, CMPD officers identified two individuals that were possibly involved in the theft of the water meters and members of the CMPD POST Unit initiated an investigation focusing on Paul Littlejohn and Pater Payne.

Paul Littlejohn
During surveillance, officers observed both subjects discarding conduit in the woods near the home of Mr. Payne’s daughter. Pieces of multiple stolen CMUD water meters were also recovered during this investigation.

Littlejohn and Payne were arrested and have been charged with possession of stolen goods and littering 15-500 lbs.  Payne was also charged with possession of cocaine.

This investigation is ongoing and CMPD requests that anyone with information regarding the theft of stolen CMUD water meters to please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Chief Monroe's Update on CMPD Taser Review

On July 21, 2011, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department began immediately inspecting all of our Electronic Control Devices (TASERS) to ensure they were in proper working order. To accomplish that goal, all ECDs were collected from our officers and personally tested and inspected. This inspection identified a small number ECD’s had minor defects such as batteries and date reset displays; they will be replaced or repaired.

CMPD has also completed an internal review of the department’s policy on the use of ECD’s as well as the training that officers receive on their use. The CMPD continues to believe that TASERS are a valuable tool for police officers and that they ultimately enhance the safety of our citizens by giving officers a viable option to minimize injuries to themselves and others.

However, it is critical that both our officers and the public have confidence not only in the devices themselves but also in the policies and training related to their use. To that end, I have asked the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to conduct a review of the department’s policies and procedures regarding TASER deployment along with our training program. PERF specializes in identifying best practices related to law enforcement issues and is familiar with TASER deployment policies and training throughout the country. PERF’s review will give us an objective outside look at our policies and training and will help us identify any needed modifications.

I anticipate that the PERF Review will take 45 to 50 days to complete. While that will take us past our initial target of September 7 to complete the review, I believe that the extra time spent on that outside review will result in enhanced confidence in our use of TASERS, both for our officers and the public. We will keep you informed on the progress of the review.

We are also in discussions with TASER International regarding the possible replacement of our current TASERS with a newer model that has some additional safety features. I will keep you updated on the progress of those discussions.

Chief Rodney D. Monroe
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Man Shot & Killed on Columbus Circle - 2 Men Charged with Murder

Campton Wolfe
UPDATEDetectives have arrested Campton Wolfe and Cornell Blackwell for the murder of  Caleb Coppenhaver.  Both men are charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery and Armed Robbery.

This case remains an active investigation and detectives continue to urge anyone with information in this case to call 704-432-TIPS.
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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and ADW Unit are conducting an investigation into a shooting which left one man dead. The incident took place at the rear of a vacant house located at 2508 Columbus Circle in the Metro Division. The call for service was reported at 10:47pm on Tuesday, August 23, 2011. 

The shooting victim has been positively identified as Caleb Coppenhaver.

Metro Division officers responded to Columbus Circle to investigate the report of an ADW. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Medic arrived on scene and transported the victim to Carolinas Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 11:29 p.m.

Based upon initial information that detectives gathered on scene and from witnesses, this is not a random act of violence. The suspects are described as two black males, one thin and one heavy, both about 6’ tall. The suspects fled the immediate area on foot and then possibly got into a dark colored vehicle after the shooting. Witnesses have been transported to police headquarters to give statements. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood in an effort to identify witnesses who have yet to come forward.

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The Vice and Gang Unit, K-9 Unit and the Aviation Unit responded to the scene along with the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Homicide Prosecution Team.

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

Homicide Detectives Investigating Triple Murder on Oak Meadow Ct

UPDATE: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) apprehended Lorenzo Tyrone White, Linny Marquise Barcliff and Joe Amous for the murders of Mr. & Mrs.Graves and their 4-year old child, Oznola Graves. 
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three people found deceased at 7915 Oak Meadow Court, Apartment 22. The call for service came in at 12:21 p.m., on Tuesday, August 23, 2011.

The identities of the victims in this case are Lorenzo Fritz Graves, Cheryl Ann Graves and Oznola Ann Graves.

Steele Creek Division officers responded to a call for service to check the welfare placed by a relative of an adult male who resides at the apartment along with his wife and child. When officers arrived on scene, the door was locked. The apartment manager opened the apartment and officers located a man, woman and child deceased.

CMPD Officers pronounced the victims deceased on scene. 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.  Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence.

Detectives with the Youth Crime, Domestic Violence Unit, along with the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Homicide Prosecution Team 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 P. Rainwater is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

A&E's 'Beyond Scared Straight' Features MCSO's 'Reality Program'




Links:
* Mecklenburg County Sheriff Office - 'Reality Program'
* Direct Link to Full Episode without commercials
* Download/Save Full Episode

2,600th post!

Sabrina Black Convicted at Trial for 2009 Killing

Sabrina Black
Sabrina Black, 26, was found guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of Mary Wilson.   The jury rendered its verdict on Thursday, August 18, 2011 after a four-day trial.  Timothy S. Kincaid, Superior Court Judge, imposed a sentence of 62-84 months in prison.

On December 13, 2009, in the parking lot of Dot’s Hot Spot on Wilkinson Blvd., the Black fired a single shot that killed Mary Wilson. According to the defendant, she did not intend to kill Ms. Wilson.

During an interview with police detectives, the defendant claimed that she retrieved her gun from her car to break-up a fight. According to the defendant, while Ms. Wilson was trying to prevent the defendant from shooting the gun, it accidentally went off and killed Ms. Wilson.

Side Note:  Sabrina Brown was one of the women shown in A&E's Scared Straight program featuring Mecklenburg County Sheriff Office program that aired last Thursday.

The District Attorney’s Office first tried this case earlier this year, but that jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

Monday, August 22, 2011

CMPD Seeking Man on Electronic Monitoring Release

Travores Montford
UPDATE:  8/23- Montford was captured by CMPD. He is back in jail.

Travores Montford AKA Tavaris/Tavories Montford is wanted by the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) for outstanding warrants for interfering with an electronic monitoring device, damage to property, and armed robbery.

Montford has been on CMPD electronic monitoring since his May 20, 2011 release from jail on bond for a pending armed robbery charge. On August 19, 2011 Montford cut off his court ordered monitor and is currently on the run. Montford was last seen in the area of Mill Road in Charlotte.

Montford has an extensive arrest history in Mecklenburg County including burglaries, robberies, auto thefts, drugs, assaults, and weapon charges.

Anyone with information on Montford’s whereabouts should immediately contact the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) at (704) 336-VACT or call 911.

According to CMPD, Montford is the 15th offender to cut off a CMPD electronic monitor in 2011. In 2011, less than 2% of the offenders monitored cut off their monitors and all of the previous 14 offenders have been recaptured.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

CMPD Investigating Domestic Homicide on Perth Court

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and A/D/W Unit are conducting an investigation into a shooting that occurred at 4682 Perth Court, located in the North Tryon Division. The shooting left two people deceased. The victims have been identified as Edris Gbarlee Juyenneh Dickson and Darron Orlando Davis. 

North Tryon Division officers responded to the Park Creek Apartments to investigate multiple calls to 911 that gunshots had been fired inside an apartment. When officers arrived on the scene, they located a male and a female inside the residence, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The male victim was transported with life threatening injuries by Medic to Carolinas Medical Center. The female was pronounced deceased on scene by Medic.

Based upon information and evidence gathered on the scene, the female shot her boyfriend multiple times and then turned the gun on herself. In addition, at the time of the shooting, a female called 911 and stated that she had shot her boyfriend; she then hung up the phone.

At this time, there is no reason to believe that there is anyone else involved in this shooting. This incident was not a random act of violence. Detectives with both the Homicide Unit and A/D/W Unit are currently canvassing the complex in an effort to determine if there are any additional witnesses yet to come forward.

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 Whitworth is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

CMPD Homicide Detectives Make an Arrest for Murder of Clayton Alexander

Jason Hill
Homicide Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have charged Jason Lamont Hill with the murder of Clayton Alexander.
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On August 1, 2011, CMPD Eastway Division officers responded to 1013 Allen Street concerning a male who was pronounced deceased by MEDIC. Upon their arrival, officers requested Homicide Detectives to respond to the scene to conduct a death investigation.

Detectives were informed by an acquaintance of Mr. Alexander that he was physically assaulted on July 30, 2011 by an acquaintance to the victim following an earlier dispute. Mr. Alexander spent the following several days at his residence complaining of abdominal pain related to the assault. On August 1, 2011, Mr. Alexander succumbed to those injuries and was discovered unresponsive in his home.

During the course of the investigation detectives collected evidence and interviewed several witnesses and were able to determine that the Jason Lamont Hill assaulted Mr. Alexander during the July 30, 2011, altercation. That assault caused serious injuries that resulted in Mr. Alexander’s death. Jason Lamont Hill was arrested on August 15, 2011, without incident by the CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team. (VCAT)

Anyone with additional information concerning this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Monday, August 15, 2011

CMPD Detectives make an arrest in Sex Assault case

Damon Simpson
Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Sexual Assault Unit are conducting an investigation into a sexual assault which took place at the Motel 6, located at 131 Red Roof Drive in the Steele Creek Division. The call for service was reported at 11:31 am on August 15, 2011.

Steele Creek Division officers responded to the Motel 6 to investigate the report of a rape. The incident was reported by the motel manager. When officers arrived on scene, they were taken to a room inside the motel where they met the victim. Medic was called to the scene and the victim was transported to Presbyterian Hospital for treatment. The suspect fled the motel in a Ford Mustang, which Steel Creek Division officers located a short distance from the scene.

The suspect Damon Vernard Simpson was taken into custody and has been charged with the following offenses: 2nd Degree Rape (two counts), 1st Degree Kidnapping, Assault by Strangulation, Assault on a Female, ADW/Law Enforcement Officer, Reckless Driving, Felony Flee to Elude Arrest, Resist Public Officer, Speeding, Open Container and Injury to Real Property.

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

FBI Releases NEW Photos of Man Caught in Restricted Area at CATS

The FBI has released new photos of a man they want to identify who they say could be a security risk for authorities in Charlotte, NC. 

The FBI first discovered this man in a restricted area of CATS in April and asked for the public's help in June.

FBI's Special Agent Ross said, "I will say, he did put some effort to going into a restricted area, he had to cross some barriers, he knew clearly he shouldn't have been where he was."

The FBI says they are involved in the case because of the nature of where the man was and what he was doing.  Authorities say the man they are looking for is about 6-feet tall and has an athletic build.

Special Agent Moss says he realizes it will be tough for people to remember back to April, but he feels strongly that someone may have seen the man recently.  If you have any information which could be helpful to authorities, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Detectives Investigating a Homicide in the Westover Division

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit are conducting an investigation into a shooting at 3615 Barringer Drive in the Westover Division which left one man dead. The call for service was reported at 12:20 a.m., on Saturday, August 13, 2011. The victim has been identified as Justin Delton Jeeter.

Westover Division officers responded to Barringer Drive to investigate reports that a person had been shot. When officers arrived on the scene, they located Justin Jeeter inside the residence suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Medic arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and pronounced Mr. Jeeter deceased at 12:29 am.   Based on initial witness statements, a male subject knocked on the door to the home. Shortly after, the suspect produced a firearm and shot Mr. Jeeter in the chest. The suspect is described as a bald black male wearing a white t-shirt, blue jean shorts and Timberland boots. He fled the immediate area on foot out the back of the residence in the direction of Interstate 77.

Detectives with the Homicide Unit are in the midst of canvassing the surrounding neighborhood in an effort to identify other possible witnesses to the incident. Based upon information developed at this stage of the investigation, it is believed that this incident is not a random act of violence and that Mr. Jeeter and the suspect were somehow known to each other.

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 Burkard is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Friday, August 12, 2011

CMPD Seeking Man for Armed Robbery & Attempted Murder

Detectives with the CMPD Robbery Unit are attempting to identify the subject on the phone in this picture. The subject is a person of interest in a armed robbery/attempted murder of a cab driver yesterday evening.

The suspect in the robbery was last seen running from the cab from Crump Road towards Westinghouse Boulevard in the Steele Creek Division. The suspect is a black male approximately 23-30 years of age 6’ tall with a normal build and a brown complexion. He was last seen wearing a dark color pair of pants and a dark colored and white striped shirt.

If you know the identity of this subject, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CMPD Conducting Assault Investigation in Hickory Grove Division

Javon Robinson
UPDATE: A/D/W Unit Detectives have charged Walter Jovon Robinson with the assault of Mr. Clark. Mr. Robinson has been charged with the following offenses: ADW-Inflicting Serious Injury, Common Law Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of a Firearm with Serial Number Removed

Based upon detailed information that Mr. Clark was able to provide, detectives developed Mr. Robinson as the suspect in this case. Mr. Robinson was arrested late on August 12, 2011. Mr. Clark’s firearm was in the possession of Mr. Robinson at the time of his arrest. Mr. Robinson is currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department A/D/W Unit are conducting an investigation into an assault which took place in the parking lot of the 1200 block of Kelston Place in the Hickory Grove Division. The call for service was reported at 5:03am. The victim, Joshua Clark, suffered non-life threatening lacerations to the head during the assault.

Hickory Grove Division officers responded to the Stanford Reserve Apartment Complex to investigate a report of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon with injury. The incident was reported by an on-duty Metro Special Police and Public Safety officer. The victim, Mr. Clark, is also an employee of Metro Special Police, but was not on duty at the time. Clark had stopped by the complex to speak with the on duty employee.

According to the on-duty officer, he and Mr. Clark were talking when Mr. Clark saw a male subject walking in the complex and went to investigate by himself. A few minutes later, the on-duty officer heard a gunshot and drove his vehicle to the area and found Mr. Clark sitting on the ground near his personal vehicle. Mr. Clark was bleeding and had a swollen eye. At this time, there is no indication that Mr. Clark was shot. His injuries are consistent with blunt force trauma.

Mr. Clark was transported to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. Detectives with the A/D/W Unit canvassed the complex in an effort to identify witnesses. Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The K-9 Unit responded to the scene along with the Aviation Unit.

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

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Office Featured on A&E's 'Beyond Scared Straight'


Tune-in to A&E on August 18th at 10pm to watch the 90 minute Season Premier of Beyond Scared Straight which highlights the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office’s 'Reality Program'. The show was filmed in June and features MCSO Officers who participate in the program designed to educate young people about the long term results of criminal behavior.

The goal of the MCSO Reality Program is to educate youth about the potential consequences of poor choices and to help them build a solid foundation for the future.  The show visits youth prevention programs all over the country. 

The MCSO wants to make it clear to viewers that the show is deemed “entertainment” and the Production Company was not able to effectively reflect the total program and what it does. The show focuses on the highlights of the program and normally focuses on a couple of kids and officers specifically. Please focus on what the show was able to show and not on what they had to leave out.

The production company is very excited about the premier and want you to be excited too. Because the production company saw this as such a worthy program, they made a $10,000 donation to our agency which will be used to supplement the Reality Program. I hope you enjoy the show.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

UPDATE: CMPD Seeking Pawn Store Robber

Ivan Latimer
UPDATE:  On August 8, 2011, CMPD arrested Ivan Latimer and charged him with three counts of common law robbery.  
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CMPD & Char-Meck Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help in identifying the masked man who robbed an East Charlotte pawn shop in the middle of the afternoon.

The robber was seen by workers prior to the robbery at the Pawn Mart on Albemarle Road wearing a hood, latex gloves and carrying a pistol on his hip. He also paced back and forth in front of the store, occasionally peering into the front window.

Eventually, the robber went inside and demanded money from the cash register.  Pawn shop workers hit the silent alarm but the robber was able to escape before the police arrived.

WANTED for Armed Robbery
The suspect is described as a black male with a light complexion. His mask, hood and jacket all had very distinctive designs. (Click on photo to enlarge)

If you have any information that may help police, please call Crimestoppers at (704) 334-1600.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

CMPD Seeking Kangaroo Express Robbery Suspect

On August 3, 2011, the shown suspect entered into the Kangaroo Express, located at 9716 South Boulevard and approached the cashier and demanded money from the register. The victim placed the money into a plastic bag and the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect was described as a black male approximately 5’7” tall and weighing 160 pounds. The suspect was seen wearing a white tank top, black pants, and white and black shoes. The suspect also had a white tee shirt draped over his head.
If you can help police identify the suspect, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Armed Robber Convicted at Jury Trial; Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison

Richard Cloud
On July 28, 2011, Richard Brian Cloud, 31, was found guilty of Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.

After the jury returned the guilty verdict, The Honorable F. Lane Williamson, Superior Court Judge, sentenced Mr. Cloud to 97-126 months in prison.

On the night of June 10, 2009, Mr. Cloud attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle by pointing a gun at the victim and demanding his truck. The victim and his passengers were able to escape from Mr. Cloud without further harm.  Cloud’s prior convictions include: (1) felony breaking or entering, (2) felony possession of stolen goods, (3) felony possession of marijuana, (4) breaking or entering a motor vehicle, (5) assault by pointing a gun, (6) assault, and (7) false imprisonment.

Habitual Felons Plead Guilty; Go To Prison

Eighteen defendants plead guilty in Mecklenburg County Superior Court before The Honorable Richard D. Boner, Superior Court Judge. The defendants were prosecuted by the DA’s Habitual Felon Team and entered their guilty pleas on August 2, 2011 and August 3, 2011. All eighteen defendants received active prison sentences; among them were:

Lawrence Black, 34, pled guilty to 1) possessing, with intent to sell or deliver, cocaine, 2) assault on a female, and 3) being a habitual felon. Black was sentenced to 76-101 months in prison.

Leroy Harlee, 49, pled guilty to 1) selling or delivering a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school and 2) being a habitual felon. Harlee was sentenced to 76-101 months in prison.

Samuel Gilcrhist, 44, pled guilty to 1) failure to register as a sex offender and 2) felony possession of stolen goods. Gilchrist was sentenced to 66-80 months in prison.

Jeshaiah Brown, 32, pled guilty to 1) possessing, with intent to sell or deliver, cocaine and 2) being a habitual felon. Brown was sentenced to 50-69 months.

Dorothea Blakeney, 47, pled guilty to 1) three counts of financial card theft and 2) breaking or entering a motor vehicle. Blakeney was sentenced to 48-60 months in prison.

Justin Hill, 22, pled guilty to 1) felony breaking or entering, 2) conspiracy, and 3) possessing stolen goods. Hill was sentenced to 38-48 months in prison.

Alberta White, 57, pled guilty to 1) possessing, with intent to sell or deliver, cocaine and 2) being a habitual felon. White was sentenced to 101-131 months in prison.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

WANTED by CMPD: Desmond Hines

Desmond Hines
UPDATE:  Hines was captured by VCAT on 8-9-11 

Desmond Hines is wanted by the CMPD's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) on outstanding warrants for interfering with an electronic monitoring device, and felony assault on an officer causing serious injury.

Hines has been on CMPD Electronic Monitoring since February 3, 2011 while out on bond for pending felony assault charges. On August 5, 2011 Hines cut off his electronic monitor and threw it in a storm drain. The monitor was recovered; however Hines has not been located.

According to CMPD, they have monitored over 750 offenders in 2011. Hines was the 15th offender to cut off his court ordered monitor this year. Less than 2% of the offenders monitored by CMPD have cut their monitors off.

Anyone with information on Hines’s whereabouts should immediately contact the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) at (704)336-VCAT or call 911.

Detectives Conducting Double Death Investigation in the Independence Division


Gracie Nell Johnson
UPDATE: CMPD is reporting that it was an intense and collaborative effort among the various units of the CMPD and the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) to locate the deceased second subject, Rianna Tarell Johnson.

Ms. Rianna Johnson was located behind 2108 Crown View Court in the Independence Division.  Officers were called in from each patrol division within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, along with the assistance of our Civil Emergency Unit, the Aviation Unit and the Charlotte Fire Department.
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Detectives with the Missing Persons and Homicide Units of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are conducting a death investigation near the 2200 block of Crown Point Executive Drive. The call for service came in at 2:21 pm, Friday, August 5, 2011.  The victim has been identified as 43-year old Gracie Nell Johnson.

Independence Division officers received a call for service in reference to a larceny call from 2516 North Sardis Road/Independence Boulevard at the Burlington Coat Factory. Upon their arrival, one subject was secured in custody, while the other two subjects fled the scene. A loss prevention employee ran after the subjects on foot. 

A short time later, it was discovered that the store employee and the two unknown subjects had entered the creek behind the business park. Charlotte Fire Department was called to begin a swift water rescue of the missing subjects. The employee made it out of the creek and advised officers and fire personnel of the last sighting of the two subjects. After a brief search, one of the subjects was located in the creek, deceased. The search still continues for the remaining subject.

CMPD’s Canine Unit and Civil Emergency Unit were called to assist with the search efforts as well.  Crime Scene Search responded to both locations 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 Terry Brandon is the lead detective assigned to the case.  In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

WANTED by CMPD: Mitchell Lowery

Mitchell Lowery
UPDATE:  8/11/11- Mitchell Lowery was arrested last night in Virginia after VCAT received a tip on his location. He will be extradited back to Charlotte once he waives extradition.
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Mitchell Lowery is wanted by the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) on outstanding warrants for interfering with an electronic monitoring device, felony breaking and entering, and larceny after breaking and entering.

Lowery has been on CMPD Electronic Monitoring since June 14, 2011 while out on bond for pending felony breaking and entering charges. On August 6, 2011 Lowery cut off his electronic monitor and threw it in a drainage ditch on Independence Boulevard in Stallings, N.C.

According to CMPD, they monitor over 750 offenders this year and Lowery was the 16th offender to cut off his court ordered monitor this year.   Less than 2% of the offenders monitored by CMPD have cut their monitors off.

Anyone with information on Lowery’s whereabouts should immediately contact the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) at (704) 336-VACT.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Former Teacher Plead Guilty to Statutory Rape and Sent to Prison

Ernest Nichols
On August 5, 2011, Ernest Nichols plead guilty to statutory rape before the Honorable Robert C. Ervin, Superior Court Judge, in Mecklenburg County Court.  He was sentenced to 216-269 months (18-22 years) in prison.

Nichols, age 44 at the time the crimes were committed, was arrested in October of 2009 when a 16-year-old girl reported that she had been raped by him when she was age 15.  At the time of his arrest, Nichols was a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school teacher at Ranson Middle School.

The defendant video-taped his crimes involving the victim and when he was confronted by the victim’s mother after the victim disclosed the abuse, Nichols drove down Highway 73 and threw the video recordings into the woods. That evidence was retrieved by the Huntersville Police Department.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The First 48: Murder of Devon Clement at the Cookout

The video below is The First 48's full episode featuring CMPD investigating the murder of Devon Clement, 20. Clement was shot in the parking lot of the Cookout Restaurant, located on West Sugar Creek Rd.

Three people were arrested for murder: Antonio Gerrick Hamilton, Cherelle Monet Griffin and Shamon Monair Goins for the murder of Mr. Clement.


Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder

Daniel Foster, 35, was found guilty of First-Degree Murder in the death of Mr. Willie Hopper, II, 31.  Additionally, Foster was found guilty of Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  After six days of trial, the jury rendered its verdicts on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.

The Honorable Robert C. Ervin, Superior Court Judge, imposed the mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder conviction. In addition to the life sentence, Judge Ervin imposed an additional 113-146 months in prison on the remaining charges.

Mr. Hopper was shot five times and killed by Foster on July 2, 2010, around 11:30 a.m., as Mr. Hopper sat in his car talking to Foster’s ex-girlfriend outside a Charlotte apartment. The woman, who was standing outside the vehicle, was not injured. The defendant testified that he went to his car to retrieve his gun before approaching Mr. Hopper.  Despite the fact that he had confessed to police in a video-taped statement, the defendant claimed at trial that he acted in self-defense. The jury rejected his claim of self defense.

CMPD Seeking Duke Power Payment Center Robbery Suspect

Shortly before noon, the Duke Power payment center on Eastway Drive was robbed at gunpoint by the man shown in the photo to the right. The suspect has long dreads in a ponytail and a long goatee.

According to police, the man jumped over the counter after waiting in line and showed the workers a gun.  He cleaned out all the cash registered and fled the scene in a red Hyundai.

If you recognize the suspect or have any information that could help police,  please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

2011 Justice Assistance Grant

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have received a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice under its Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program.  The funds are to be used for improvements to law enforcement and correctional agencies. The grant is for $714,123 and the City of Charlotte’s share is $535,592.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department plans to spend the City funds as follows:
  • $400,903 for overtime for officers to address emerging crime trends and enablers of crime at the neighborhood level
  • $123,329 for equipment for the thirteen patrol division offices
  • $11,360 for police officer participation in youth programs at the neighborhood level.
The Justice Department requires a 30-day public comment period on the expenditure of JAG funds. Please direct any questions or comments on Charlotte’s proposed spending plan to Darrellyn Kiser at 704-336-7736 or dkiser@cmpd.org.

Pizza Delivery Driver Robbed at Gunpoint on Marsh Rd

Shortly after 10:15 last night, a Fuel Pizza delivery driver was robbed in the parking lot at 940 Marsh Rd, which is located in the Sedgefield area of Charlotte. 

Police say the 21-year old driver was robbed of pizza, wings and his cash by six or more males at gunpoint.  CMPD did not provide suspect description information.   

The delivery driver handed over the 'loot' and the robbers ran away from the scene into the woods.  Thankfully, the driver was not hurt.  If you have any information that will help police solve this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CMPD's August 2011 ~ Officers of the Month

Officer Jared Porter
The N. Tryon St Corridor, including the Uptown Men’s Shelter and Urban Ministries, had been plagued with drug distribution and usage for years.

The area had been littered with trash from drug usage and alcohol consumption and many surrounding businesses have had false hope for improvement due to the declining properties surrounding the area. This had resulted in properties becoming overgrown with vegetation furthering the drug haven in the area.

In an effort to target drug usage Metro Division Officers Jared Porter and his partner Kelly Murphy decided to initiate a buy/bust campaign targeting street level drugs in the open air market surrounding the Men’s Shelter and the Soup Kitchen.

Porter helped launch an operation that enabled the department to get indictments on 19 suspects in the corridor who were operating this open air drug market. The cases included 146 felony charges and 44 misdemeanor charges. After the DA’s Office reviewed the cases, 89 felony charges and 4 misdemeanor charges were accepted, indicting 19 total suspects. Are residents and business owners say they already see a difference in the quality of life in the corridor as a result of the operation.

Officer Yanacsek
Providence Division Officer Yanacsek was instrumental in the arrests of several suspects this summer. In June Officer Yanacsek responded to a report of a B&E of a storage building at 4929 Monroe Rd. Officer Yanacsek located a suspect in the area who was positively identified and arrested.

On a separate occasion Officer Yanacsek responded to a residential B&E in progress on Nancy Dr. Officers observed a suspect come out of a rear bedroom window and run from the scene. Several officers chased the suspect on foot and Officer Yanacsek used his vehicle to cut off the suspect’s escape route. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

On July 6, Officer Yanacsek located a suspect who had just committed a common law robbery at a Mental Health facility on Billingsley Rd. The suspect had been a patient of the facility and he was being held on an involuntary commitment order.  The suspect assaulted a nurse and stole her ID and access card in order to escape from the secured facility. Officer Yanacsek spotted the suspect in the area and took him into custody without incident. The suspect was returned to Mental Health and he was subsequently charged with common law robbery.

Officer Yanacsek's work ethic and can do attitude has helped to maintain a high level of morale in the Providence division. He shows great leadership qualities.

The First 48: Murder of Oscar Alvardo by Danielle Holmes & Jonathan Fitzgerald

The video below is The First 48's episode featuring CMPD investigating the stabbing death of Oscar Alvarado.  Danielle Holmes and Jonathan Fitzgerald were arrested for the murder of Mr. Alvardo and it was discovered the murder was related to a heroin drug deal/robbery by the suspects. 

Danielle Holmes was bailed out of jail, only to get arrested in Cabarrus County for a separate robbery.  Jonathan Fitzgerald has remained in jail since he was arrested and charged with murder.  

Source: A&E

The First 48: Murder of Jermaine McJunkins

The video below is The First 48's episode featuring CMPD investigating the murder of Jermaine 'Jeremy' McJunkins.  Four suspects were arrested and charged with the murder:  Darius Chapman, Mitchelle Osborne, Suliman Elamin and Charles Sammons.
Source: A&E

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

2011 'National Night Out' ~ Activities in Charlotte, NC

Today is National Night OutIt is designed to: 1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness 2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs 3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships 4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back!

Here are all reported neighborhood activities in Charlotte, NC:

Eastway Division:

Belmont Neighborhood Little Peoples Park
15th St./Harrill St. 6 p.m. Walk through Belmont/Allen St. down to Seigle Ave. ending at Seigle Point Apartments on Seigle Ave. where there will be pizza and games

Winterfield & Eastway/Sheffield Sheffield Park
(main shelter) 6:30–8:30 p.m. Picnic

Plaza/Midwood Kilgo United Method Church
2121 Belvedere Ave.  6 – 9 p.m. Games, prizes, safety information, refreshments

Freedom Division

Thomasboro
235 Bradford Dr. 5 –7 p.m. Food and hula hoop contests Ve-Veca Lavoira

Thomasboro Thomasboro Church of Christ
216 Bradford Dr.-  6-8 p.m. Community walk, CMPD, light refreshment

Oak Grove Baptist Church
9000 Mt. Holly Road 7-9 p.m

Metro Division
Lockwood and Graham Heights Communities
Celebrate the 28th Annual National Night Out (300 Block of Sylvania Ave – Aug 2nd @ 6pm). Celebrating our community officers for their dedication and commitment!

McCrorey Heights
1629-1650 blocks of Washington Ave. 6-9 p.m. Block party

Wesley Heights Greenway of Grandin and Litaker Streets 7-9 p.m.
Community walk, CMPD

Druid Hills/Graham Heights/Lockwood
Druid Hills Neighborhood Park - Rodney Ave. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tammy Gaston


Historic Washington Heights
Corner of Tate & Beatties Ford Rd. 7-9pm Meet & greet 

North Division
McIntyre 9120 Corey Common Avenue
(Pool/Clubhouse) 6 – 9 p.m. Children’s games, swimming, cookout

Davis Lake
9000 Davis Lake Pkwy (pool/clubhouse) 6-8 p.m. Children’s games, swimming, cookout

Point at Oakdale
2732 Oakdale Pasture Drive 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Oakdale Green
6100 Whispering Brook Drive 5 -7 p.m.

Northwoods Forest
1400 Block of Bear Mountain Rd 7- 9 p.m.

Allen Hills/Carrie Hills
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church - 3030 Allen Road South - 7 p.m. Community meeting

Derita Woods / Tanglewood
3411 Cypress Pond 7:30 p.m. Community gathering Gertrude Elder


North Tryon Division

Hidden Valley Tom Hunter Park
919 Tom Hunter Road 4 – 8 p.m. Meet & greet

Meadowbrook
6208 Donna Drive 6 – 9 p.m. Cook out & block party

University City Division

Highland Creek
5710 Fairvista Drive (Prosperity Park Clubhouse) 6-8 p.m.- Games, music, food, CMPD/CFD

Brantley Oaks
5108 Witham Passage 6-9 p.m. CMPD, food, dunk tank, kids’ activities

Wellington Neighborhood
Neighborhood Pool- Katelyn/Saxonbury Way 5:50-6:30 p.m. Ice cream social Christian

Lockwood and Graham Heights Communities
Celebrate the 28th Annual National Night Out (300 Block of Sylvania Ave – Aug 2nd @ 6pm). Celebrating our community officers for their dedication and commitment!


Villages of Wexford
11048 Wiltshire Lane 6:30 p.m. - Cookout, ice cream, games, and a movie on the lawn.

Glenwater at University Place
625 Mountain Water Drive
(clubhouse/pool) 6:30 p.m. Townhomes/condos- NNO event

Back Creek II
Pimpernel and Back Creek Drive - 5 – 9 p.m. Speakers, exhibits, cook outs


(August 6th) Fountaingrove: Fountaingrove Neighborhood Pool-Fountaingrove Rd/Copperplate Rd Noon-3 p.m. Cook out/NNO activities

(August 6th) Forest Pond: Forest Pond Neighborhood Park - 5-8 p.m.

(August 6th)  Buckleigh Buckleigh Community Park 8:00 p.m Cook out

Central Division
First Ward N. Alexander & N. Davidson Street Park
6:30 – 8 p.m.

Hickory Grove Division

Central United Methodist Church
6030 Albemarle Road - 5:30-8 p.m. - Activities and food

Rosecroft
6148 Rosecroft Road 7-9 p.m.- Cook out, CMPD crime watch

Grove Park Oakwood Lane and Shady Lane
(in the circle) 6:30-8:30 p.m. Ice cream social

Ravenwood
7119 Chaparrall Lane (Linda Lake/Lakeside & Cherry Streets) & 7-8 p.m. Ice cream social, kids’ activities, CMPD neighborhood watch

Windsor Grove Pool
7-8 p.m. Light refreshments, games and activities

McCarron
7908 McCarron Way 7 – 8:30 p.m. Activities and food

Meadowbrook Club House
7-8 p.m. Cook out Adrian

Kingtree
7701 Paper Birch Dr. 6– 9:30 p.m. Community walk, other activities

Independence Division
Summer Field Ridge Neighborhood pool
Summerfield Ridge & Cross Creek 6-8 p.m. Pool party

Brighten Woods Corner of Dion and Brighten Brook
7-9 p.m. Meet and greet

Providence Division
Grier Heights Grier Park Apartments
3400 block Oak Arbor Lane 5-7:30 p.m

Grier Heights Randolph Hills Apartments
3400 block of Marvin Road 7-9 p.m.

Grier Park Apts
Parking Lot on Skyland Ave.-  6-9 p.m. Refreshments, games, CMPD

Oakhurst
Corner of Monroe Road and Richland Drive - 7 p.m. A walk/bike ride through the neighborhood

South Division
Huntingtowne Farms
7100 Park Road (multiple locations within neighborhood) 7 p.m. Meet and greet

Cady Lake
5301 King Arthur Dr. (clubhouse parking lot) 7-10 p.m. Meet and greet

Pine Valley 1700 Longleaf Drive
6:30 -9 p.m.

Steele Creek Division
Steele Creek Landing
Cul-de-sac of Wood Duck Crossing Dr. 7- 8:30 p.m. Food, drop-in for residents

Planter’s Walk
12215 Creek Turn Dr. (pool) 7-8:30 p.m. Parade (TBD), food, drop-in for residents

Westover Division

Madison Park Wedgewood/ Valleyforge and Seacroft Road
6-9 p.m. Music, dance, street poets, water attractions Marty Doss

Colonial Village
Moultrie Street-Webster Place and Hartford 6-8 p.m. - Back to school supplies, food, games, and activities

West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition
Arbor Glen Outreach Center - 1520 Clanton Rd. - 6-8 p.m. Music, food, dance contest

Monday, August 1, 2011

Robbery Suspect Apprehended in Eastway Division

Gregory Brewton
On July 26, 2011, the CMPD Eastway Division Focused Mission Team (FMT) Officers apprehended and arrested Gregory Jeter Brewton for 2 counts of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, Larceny of Firearm, and Possession of Stolen Firearm and Possession of Firearm by Felon.

Eastway’s FMT members were conducting routine patrol when they came upon two subjects running from a vehicle. Upon further investigation, Mr. Brewton was seen getting out of the vehicle as well. The previous subjects advised officers they were just robbed by Mr. Brewton. All three subjects were taken to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning and Mr. Brewton was charged and taken to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Great job goes out to the Eastway Division’s FMT’s for their diligence in the apprehension of criminals and making the streets of Charlotte safer!!