12 Year-Old Girl Abducted From NC Coast

Abigale Lefevers
(Photo courtesy of Carteret County Sheriff's Office)

A 12 year-old girl is missing from Carteret County, which is on the coast of North Carolina east of New Bern. Deputies there announced that Abigale Lefevers was abducted by 38 year-old Timothy Newman.

Lefevers was last seen with Newman at around 1:40 Tuesday morning heading south on U.S. 17 towards South Carolina. The pair were traveling in Newman's 1998 red Chrysler Sebring, NC license plate AKT-6534.

Timothy Newman

Abigale is described as weighing about 90 pounds and 5'4" tall. She has blue eyes and brown hair. Her abductor stands 5'8" and weighs 210 pounds. He was brown hair and eyes.

Authorities has asked anyone with information on the whereabouts of Abigale Lefevers to call the Carteret County Sheriff's Office at (252) 504-4800.

Newman's Chrysler Sebring 
(Photo courtesy of Carteret County Sheriff's Office) 

CMPD Arrests Armed Robbery Suspect

Forty year-old Michael Antoine Wright was arrested by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police after he reportedly robbed a sweepstakes center at 5300 Old Pineville Road..

Wright walked into the Pot O Gold Sweepstakes Center at about 9:30 Monday night and robbed the clerk at gunpoint before forcing him into a bathroom. After collecting evidence, investigators arrested Wright without incident at his Wingate Avenue home.

Wright is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and first-degree kidnapping.

If you have any additional information on this case, call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.

CMPD Arrests Suspect in Monday Night Armed Robbery

Chris Agbandrin

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested 21 year-old Chris Agbandrin on charges he obtained while kidnapping a Charlotte couple and forcing them to withdraw money on Monday night.

According to reports, Agbandrin held a gun to the couple and made them drive to a north Charlotte gas station and a bank. At both locations they withdraw cash from an ATM. Agbandin took the money, but did not harm either victim.

Agbandin is jailed in Mecklenburg County and charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, and larceny.

Lincolnton Police Arrest Local Man for Sexual Assault Charges

Thirty-four year-old Anthony Thomas Ruffino was arrested Sunday by Lincolnton police on sexual assault charges.

A Lincolnton woman reported an incident involving Ruffino, prompting police to arrest him. Ruffino faces six charges including first-degree kidnapping, domestic assault on a female, possession of a firearm by felon, assault by pointing a gun, communicating threats, and interfering with emergency communications.

Because of the nature of his charges, Ruffino is jailed in Lincoln County without bond.

Suspect in Teen Kidnapping Faces Incriminating DNA Evidence

Freddie Grant

Freddie Grant, 52, has been arrested in Columbia, SC on charges of kidnapping a 15 year-old teenager in August. While he awaits trial, the convicted felon has declined to help authorities locate the missing girl.

Gabrielle Swainson was last seen on August 18, when her mother Elvia woke her momentarily before going to work at about 3:45 in the morning. Both Gabrielle and her iPhone were missing when Elvia returned home from work later that morning.

The missing iPhone's location has been traced by police to the house of Freddie Grant, who was romantically involved with Elvia. When investigators executed a search of Grant's property, they discovered duct tape containing Gabrielle Swainson's DNA.

According to Richland County authorities, Grant had mowed the Swainson's lawn on the day before her disappearance. Grant is also the lead suspect in another case of a missing person. Adrianna Diana Laster, of Elgin, was last seen in 2011 on Labor Day. She was 28 years old at the time of her disappearance and had lived in the same house as Grant, who was reportedly the last person to see her.

Grant has an extensive criminal record spanning nearly 25 years between South Carolina and Florida. He is accused of taking Gabrielle by force during the early morning of August 18th. For South Carolina authorities, the search for the missing teen continues without the aid of suspect Freddie Grant.

Man Kidnapped Niece in Charlotte who Escaped in Georgia; Suspect Captured in SC

Cristino Leon

Case Update:  May 06, 2012-  Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol took Mr. Leon into custody tonight at about 7:00 p.m., during a traffic stop conducted in Spartanburg County.  The CMPD wishes to thank our fellow Law Enforcement Agencies in Georgia and South Carolina for their assistance throughout this investigation.

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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit, Missing Persons Unit and Youth and Family Services Unit are conducting an investigation into a kidnapping which occurred at 6421 Monroe Road in the Independence Division.  The call for service came in at 11:13am on Saturday, May 5, 2012.

CMPD Independence Division Officers responded to a kidnapping call and met with the mother of one of the victims, Guillermina Leon.  Ms. Leon stated that she left for work around 6:40am and when she returned home, she found her sister, Clementina Leon, tied up with duct tape. Guillermina Leon stated that her 12-year old daughter was missing from the apartment.  Clementina Leon stated she was at home sleeping when her brother, Cristino Leon, came into her room and was trying to tie her up with duct tape.  She attempted to fight him, but he successfully tied her up with the duct tape. Clementina Leon said that Cristino Leon threatened to take her, but he didn’t. Clementina Leon remained tied up for a couple of hours but was eventually able to break free from the duct tape. While she was tied up, Cristino Leon left the apartment with her niece.

During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that Cristino Leon was in Jefferson, Georgia. The Jefferson Police Department were contacted and they advised that they were currently out with a female who stated she had been kidnapped. CMPD Communications confirmed that the female victim was the 12-year old daughter of Guillermina Leon, niece of both Clementina Leon (adult victim) and Cristino Leon (suspect).

The 12-year old victim was able to escape when Cristino Leon stopped to eat at Exit 137 off I-85 in Jefferson, Georgia.  She jumped out the car and ran to a woman for help. That woman called 911 and alerted authorities. Missing Persons detectives and personnel with Youth and Family Services coordinated the return of the 12-year old victim with authorities in Georgia.

Two Warrants for Kidnapping were issued for the arrest of Cristino Leon. He has yet to be taken into custody. The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team is actively working this case to determine his whereabouts and take him into custody. We are coordinating the investigation with the assistance of the FBI.

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

Woman Tried to Kidnap Child & Attacked Mother after Faking Pregnancy

Andrea Endara-Paredes

Andrea Stefany Endara-Paredes, 24, is facing attempted murder charges and kidnapping charges after she faked a pregnancy, coaxed a woman to bring her small child with her to an apartment complex and beat the woman with a tire iron after she stole her baby.

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit are conducting an investigation into a Kidnapping and Attempted Murder that occurred in the Providence Division at the 4200 block of Knob Oak Lane. The call for service came in at 10:23 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

Westover Division patrol officers initially responded to a call for service at the Beacon Ridge Apartments off South Boulevard in reference to a kidnapping.  Upon arrival,  they located two adult female victims on scene. The husband of one of the victims stated their 1-month old child, the third victim, had been kidnapped from another location at knife point.

The two victims on scene were transported from the Beacon Ridge Apartments to police headquarters where they were interviewed by Homicide Detectives. During the course of the investigation it was determined that one of the victims was in fact the suspect. During the incident the mother was allegedly told by Endara-Paredes to tell police she was kidnapped by two black men who also took her child, but officers said that story quickly did not add up. The mother's 4-year-old child was not kidnapped.

Homicide Detectives were able to locate the child unharmed a short time later in Endara-Paredes' apartment with her boyfriend, who thought the baby was his. Police believe the woman had been faking a pregnancy for the last nine months and went as far as having a baby shower and telling her boyfriend she was pregnant.

The suspect has been identified as Ms. Endara is being charged with Attempted Murder, three counts of Kidnapping, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Assault on a Child Under 12. The suspect was transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office where she remains in custody.

Crime Scene Search responded to the incident location 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 Strother is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Man Charged with 1st Degree Rape & Kidnapping

Lavatae Evans

Sexual Assault Unit detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have arrested Lavatae Evans after an investigation into an alleged rape he committed at his residence. On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at approximately 3:50 p.m. Metro Division officers responded to a call for service at a home in the 2000 block of Brewton Drive to investigate a possible kidnapping.

When officers arrived they spoke to the female victim who stated she was at the Transit Center earlier in the day waiting for a bus when she was contacted by Evans. The victim and Evans are known acquaintances and lived together at one time. The victim stated that she voluntarily left the area with Evans to smoke marijuana. After smoking the marijuana with Evans, the victim stated she attempted to return to the Transit Center and that Evans prevented her from leaving while displaying a gun. The victim told officers she was in fear for her life and complied with Evans’ demands.

According to the victim, Evans took her to his home on Brewton Drive against her will and raped her. The victim contacted family members and indicated she was in danger and asked them to call 911. Officers arrived at the home and took Evans into custody without incident. Lavatae Evans has been charged with First Degree Kidnapping, First Degree Rape, and 2 counts of First Degree Sex Offense in this case. The investigation is continuing to determine if additional charges will be filed.

Anyone with information concerning this case may forward anonymous tips to our Crime Stoppers tip line at 704.334.1600.

Woman Kidnapped, Robbed & Sexually Assaulted on Mission Hills Rd

Daven Teeter

UPDATE: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Detectives have arrested Daven Lorenzo Teeter in relation to this case. He was arrested in the 1800 block of Vinton Street and charged with 1st Degree Rape, 1st Degree Sex Offense, 1st Degree Kidnapping (2 counts), Breaking and Entering, Armed Robbery, and Communicating Threats.

Analysis of evidence collected has led Detectives to seek these charges and anyone with any additional information about this case or the case from October 4, 2011 are encouraged to contact Detective Carol Owens at 704-336-6030.


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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Robbery Unit and Sexual Assault Unit are conducting an investigation into a robbery and sexual assault of a woman at her residence on Mission Hills Road, which is located in the Independence Division.  The victim’s identity is being withheld. The call for service came in at 1:13 pm.

Independence Division officers responded to a call for service placed by the victim after she was released. The victim advised that an unknown subject entered her residence and sexually assaulted her. He then drove to a bank and attempted to withdraw funds from her account. The victim was released near 2412 Beatties Ford Road, where she called 911.

The suspect is described as a black male with dreadlocks, wearing a white t-shirt and tan shorts. 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. Anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of the suspect is eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000. Detective Owens is the lead detective assigned to the case.

CMPD Officers Arrest Rape & Kidnapping Suspect

Martin Diamond

On May 18th, CMPD Officers arrested 23-year old Martin Russell Diamond and charged him with 1st degree rape, kidnapping, assault with serious injury, breaking and entering, assault with a deadly weapon and larceny.

According to police, Diamond forced his way into a home yesterday morning and he raped and assaulted an 18-year old girl.  The incident occurred in the vicinity of Curtiswood Dr & Eastway Dr. 

Martin Diamond is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail with a $105,500 bond.

Man Arrested after Attempting to Abduct a Child at Frazier Park

Jerry White

Investigators with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Family Services Division have arrested Jerry White.  

White has been charged with abduction of children and assault of a child under 12 stemming from an incident that occurred in the area of Frazier Park on the evening of Sunday, April 10, 2011. White was located by patrol officers after warrants were signed. He was taken into custody without incident.

Detectives worked day and night over the last several days.  They reviewed surveillance video and photos, interviewed a multitude of individuals concerning the case and quickly developed a suspect.  The CMPD removed him from the public this afternoon.

CMPD Arrests Robbery Suspect on Shady Oak Trail

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department arrested Dequavious Joseph on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at approximately 8:00 p.m. after Steele Creek Officers were dispatched to a robbery in progress call in the 7900 block of Shady Oak Trail.

The victim called 911 and stated that an armed man approached him in the parking lot of his apartment complex. The suspect ordered him to get into the trunk of the victims car before the suspect took the victim’s wallet, cell phone and GPS and ran from the scene.

K-9 and the Aviation Unit assisted officers on the ground in locating a man matching the description of the suspect. The victims property was recovered where the suspect was contacted. Dequavious Joseph has been charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and 2nd degree Kidnapping. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600

CMPD Arrests Kidnapping & Shooting Suspect

On January 25, 2011, members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) located and arrested Ladrawde Davis. CMPD Patrol officers with the Metro Division and Freedom Division assisted VCAT with the operation. Mr. Davis was wanted for the November 19, 2010, kidnapping and shooting of Ms. Keyon Heath.

Ms. Heath was kidnapped by Mr. Davis from Unique Lady Hair Designs, located at 2729 North Tryon Street. Mr. Davis approached Ms. Heath as she was sitting in her car in the parking lot and forced his way into the car at gunpoint. When Ms. Heath attempted to jump out of the car, Mr. Davis grabbed her by the hair and pulled her back inside the vehicle.

Mr. Davis then drove to Concord, NC, and pulled into a convenience store, at which point Ms. Heath jumped out of the vehicle in an attempt to escape. Mr. Davis followed her as she ran into the store and shot her multiple times. Ms. Heath sustained serious injuries as a result of the shooting.

The Concord Police Department signed warrants on Mr. Davis charging him with Attempted Murder and Kidnapping. In addition, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department signed a warrant on Mr. Davis charging him with Kidnapping. Davis has a long history of assaults on a female, damage to property and communicating threats.

Police Seeking Carjacking Suspect

Police have released the shown photos of the suspect in the armed robbery and kidnapping which took place at 1704 Central Avenue on Sunday, September 12, 2010.

The female victim was robbed of her vehicle, a black 1998 Jeep Cherokee, (NC Tag YRY-7138.) The vehicle has not yet been recovered. Please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or contact 911 immediately if you know the name or location of suspect or if you have seen the victim’s vehicle. The suspect is described as a black male, about 5’10” tall, with a thin build.

Crime Summary: At 8 pm on September 20th, the shown suspect broke into the victim’s vehicle and waited for her to return from shopping. Once the victim entered her vehicle and began to drive away, the suspect placed a handgun to her head and demanded money. The victim then drove the suspect to an ATM where she was forced to withdraw cash from her account. After driving away from the ATM near The Plaza, the suspect released the victim and he drove off in her car. The victim was able to run to a nearby house and call 911.

Please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or contact 911 immediately if you know the name or location of suspect or if you have seen the victim’s vehicle.

Two Charged with Armed Robbery & Kidnapping

Two people were arrested and charged this morning in connection with a home invasion that occurred in north Charlotte. The incident took place around 3:00 am at a home located on the 900 block of Druid Circle.

The two suspects- Michael Davis, 20, and Bria Floyd, 16, are facing charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, first degree burglary, second degree kidnapping and conspiracy with a dangerous weapon.

According to CMPD's Significant Event Log, a male victim was inside his house with an acquaintance when the two suspects entered his house through an unlocked door- armed with guns and masks over their faces.

The suspects hit the victim several times with their weapons and tied him and the acquaintance up with duct tape in his bedroom. The suspects stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim's wallet; however, the victim's friend broke free and the police were called to the residence.

The two suspects tried to flee when the police arrived but were caught and arrested. The 43-year old victim suffered only minor injuries and was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Woman Kidnapped & Abductor Captured

On Wednesday morning, a 24-year old woman was kidnapped from the parking lot outside of a Subway store on Little Rock Road. She was held captive for over 24 hours before her captor, 51-year old Peter James Smith (R) was apprehended.

Police say Peter Smith approached the victim as she exited the Subway store and asked her for money. When she refused, he threatened her with a gun and forced her into her car where they drove to a motel. The woman told police Smith held her hostage in the motel for hours but she was not physically or sexually assaulted during the ordeal.

On Thursday, Smith drove the woman he kidnapped to the State Employees Credit Union on E. 3rd Street & Kings Drive so she could withdrawl money from her bank account. When the victim entered the bank, she alerted a teller as to her situation and the police were called.

Within minutes, CMPD Officers swarmed the bank parking lot and arrested Smith, who was sitting inside the victim's car. Smith resisted arrest and police had to use a taser on him in order to bring him into custody. Smith is charged him with 1st degree Kidnapping, Armed Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

Attempted Kidnapping of Woman at the Dowd YMCA

UPDATE: View Video of Suspect

On December 6th, a woman reported an armed man tried to abduct her outside the Dowd YMCA, located off Morehead Street.

The woman told police she got out of her car to go to the gym around 10:00 am when a man held a gun to her stomach and demanded she get back in her car.

The woman told the suspect she saw a man in a police uniform and he walked away. If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Woman Arrested after Amber Alert

On Wednesday, an 'Amber Alert' was issued after a 16-month old boy went missing in Charlotte. His abductor was his mother, 28-year old Renee Rachelle Lazo.

Prior to the abduction, Renee Lazo's son was in the custody of her parents. Lazo was not allowed to have any unsupervised visits with him. Her parents called police when Renee ran off with the baby- not taking any baby supplies with her.

Shortly thereafter, CMPD spotted Lazo and chased her until she crashed into a police car. After the accident, police say Lazo exited her vehicle with a steak knife in her hand and they had to use a tazer to bring her into custody.

According to arrest records, Renee Lazo was arrested on numerous drug charges in March, including selling heroin and crack in a school zone.

Pineville Restaurant Owner Found Injured

UPDATE: 9/07: Pineville Police say Robert John Marotta faked his own kidnapping and stabbing in July and now he is now charged with filing a false police report.

Police say Marotta's story didn't add up from the beginning. Investigators say the evidence the obtained indicates Marotta was the only person inside his SUV. At first, he told authorities he was kidnapped by a black and hispanic male.

Some news stations are reporting that Marotta was in a lot of debt. Apparently, he was calling friends and family members asking for money the week prior to when he pulled his stunt.

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Early Friday morning, Pineville Police were called to Courtney's Restaurant, located at 10517 Park Road. A restaurant employee arrived and discovered the restaurant owner, Robert Marotta (R) and his vehicle missing. Police knew right away foul play was involved because it appeared a struggle took place in the kitchen and the back door was broken.

On Saturday morning, police discovered Marotta's abandoned Ford Expedition in Belmont (Gaston County.) Police searched the area using dogs and found Robert Marotta unconscious around 4:00pm. He was airlifted to CMC with a chest wound. Police have not said what caused the wound nor have they disclosed Marotta's condition.

If you have any information or saw anything in the area between 5:30am-6:00am on Friday morning, please call the Pineville Police Department at 704-889-2231. (More Info)

Men Kidnap Woman for Ransom

UPDATE: Untavion Watkins was captured by police. He is currently in the Mecklenburg County Jail.

Police arrested Tamoso Hoytdell Grisson and Clarence William Johnson after a woman said they kidnapped her late last night from the Eckard Drug Store located at 4130 E. WT Harris Blvd. Police are still looking for a third suspect named Untavion Demond Watkins.

The three men demanded money for the release of the victim, Lakesiah Michelle Norman, 26. Two of the suspects were apprehended (Grisson and Johnson) by patrol officers. Later, the victim was released by the third suspect. (Watkins) Arrest warrants are on file for Untavion Demond Watkins. Grisson and Johnson are both in jail- charged with kidnapping and extortion.

If you know the whereabouts of Untavion Watkins, please call 911. If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.