CMPD Captures Armed Robbery Suspect

Gilbert Francois

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have arrested Gilbert Brook Francois for his role in a robbery he committed at the Family Dollar store located at 6701 N. Tryon Street.

On Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at approximately 9:00 a.m., North Tryon Division officers responded to the store concerning a robbery call for service. The victim, who is a store employee stated that he approached the suspect after he observed him shoplifting.   The victim stated the suspect removed several stolen items belonging to the store from his clothing and threw the items on the ground.

The suspect then reportedly produced a gun and pointed it at the victim before pulling the trigger. The weapon never fired and the suspect ran from the area. A detailed description of the suspect and direction of his travel were broadcast through communications.

Officers located the suspect a short time later. The victim positively identified Gilbert Francois as the man who was involved in the robbery.   Gilbert was arrested and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and attempted murder. Francois has a lengthy criminal history in Mecklenburg County. Some of his prior arrests include: resisting public officer, assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.

The CMPD stated they will continue to work at removing these type of dangerous individuals from society before they have an opportunity to prey on any additional members of our community.