CMPD Officer Involved Shooting in Eastway Division

Courtney Miller

UPDATES:  Homicide Unit Detectives have made four arrests in reference to the Armed Robbery from person that occurred prior to the officer involved shooting.  Eastway Division officers arrested Ronald DeWayne Deese at the scene and detained LaToya McRae.

Homicide Unit Detectives identified the remaining two suspects, LC Melton and Courtney Skie Miller and signed Armed Robbery warrants on all four suspects. The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team later arrested Mr. Melton and Ms. Miller on a traffic stop.

Officer Joshua Skipper was the first officer to arrive on scene and make contact with the robbery victim and the occupants of the suspect vehicle. As Officer Skipper waited on his backup to arrive, one of the suspects ran from the scene. Officer Skipper chased after him and a scuffle ensued on the ground as Officer Skipper attempted to place the suspect in handcuffs.

LaToya McRae

The robbery victim followed Officer Skipper as he attempted to arrest the suspect who fled the scene. Moments later, Officer Blue arrived on scene and ran towards Officer Skipper to assist placing the suspect in custody. Officer Skipper carries a backup pistol, as allowed by CMPD Directives, which came out of his holster unbeknownst to Officer Skipper while placing the suspect under arrest. The robbery victim picked up Officer Skipper’s backup pistol and walked back towards the suspect vehicle and pointed it at the suspect who remained at the vehicle. Officer Skipper then noticed that the robbery victim was pointing a handgun at the suspect who remained at the vehicle.

Officer Skipper told Officer Blue to tell the man to drop the weapon. Officer Blue at the time was unaware that the man holding the gun was in fact the victim of a robbery. Officer Blue repeatedly commanded the robbery victim to drop the weapon, at which time the robbery victim turned towards the officers and pointed the weapon directly at them. Officer Blue then fired his weapon three times at the victim, striking him once in the leg. The officers called Medic for the victim and he was transported to CMC where he was treated and released.  Officer Blue is on Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs investigation into the shooting.

There will be no charges filed against the robbery victim.
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LC Melton

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and ADW Unit are conducting an investigation into an officer involved shooting in the 4900 block of Central Avenue at the Central Pointe Apartment Complex. The call for service was reported at 3:22 a.m., on Sunday, September 11, 2011. The subject who was shot has been transported to Carolinas Medical Center with a non-life threatening injury to the leg.

Eastway Division Officers responded to a call for service in reference to a robbery. Upon arrival, the first responding officer encountered a vehicle in the parking lot outside 4903 Central Avenue and a subject pointing towards the car. As additional officers arrived, multiple suspects jumped from the vehicle and ran from the scene.

A scuffle ensued on the ground as an officer attempted to take one of the vehicle’s occupants into custody. Officer Prince Blue noticed a subject standing nearby holding a handgun and ordered him to drop the weapon multiple times. After seeing the subject raise the handgun, point it in the direction of officers and refuse to drop the handgun, Officer Blue fired his pistol at least once, striking him once in the leg. Medic responded to the scene and transported the subject to Carolinas Medical Center. Two vehicle occupants have been detained. Detectives are canvassing the complex to determine if there are any additional witnesses to this incident.

Ronald Deese

Officer Prince Blue has been a member of the CMPD since September 14, 2009. He is currently assigned to the Eastway Division as a Patrol Officer. Detectives with the Homicide Unit are conducting the shooting 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 adhered to during the course of the incident.

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

Detectives Investigating a Homicide on Remus Road

Kenneth Ravenell

UPDATE: (5/24/11) Kenneth Ravenell voluntarily contacted CMPD’s Homicide Unit to speak with detectives about the murder of Brandon Davis.  After speaking with detectives, Mr. Ravenell was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.  Detectives were able to locate and recover the White Volvo associated with the case as well.
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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and A/D/W Unit are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 2600 block of Remus Road in the Westover Division. The call for service came in at 4:10 a.m., on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The victim has been identified as Brandon Davis.

Westover Division officers responded to an A/D/W with injury call in reference to a shooting. When officers arrived on the scene, they located Mr. Davis lying on the street suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Medic arrived on scene and transported Mr. Davis to Carolinas Medical Center where he was rushed into surgery. Mr. Davis was listed in stable condition after coming out of surgery, but succumbed to his injuries tonight at 5:57 p.m.

Desmond Singleton

Based upon initial witness statements, Mr. Davis had been involved in an argument that escalated into a physical altercation with the suspect, Desmond Terrill Singleton.

Mr. Singleton shot Mr. Davis during the altercation and fled the scene in a vehicle. Officers later stopped a vehicle which matched the description of the vehicle in which Mr. Singleton fled the scene. Mr. Singleton was inside the vehicle and detained. Initially Mr. Singleton was charged with ADWIKISI, as Mr. Davis had survived surgery; however, that charge has been changed to Murder with Mr. Davis’ passing.

Crime Scene Search responded to the scene of the shooting to 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 Sarvis is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CMPD Conducting an Armed Robbery & Police Shooting Investigation on West Trade Street

UPDATE:  (5/20/2011) - Investigators with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Internal Affairs and Homicide Units have concluded their investigation concerning an excessive use of force allegation involving CMPD officers. On March 20, 2011, officers attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by Malcolm Xavier Springs. The suspect fled the scene after shooting a man on West Trade Street. Springs subsequently jumped from the vehicle, leading officers on brief foot pursuit. The gunman, still armed at the time, eluded officers by running into a residential neighborhood on Garibaldi Avenue.


Steele Creek Officer B. Harrison located the suspect a short time later running towards him in between homes on Garibaldi Avenue. Springs confronted the officer and fired his weapon striking Officer Harrison in the leg. Officer Harrison fell to the ground, but managed to return fire from a prone position striking the suspect in the torso. Additional officers responded and saw that Officer Harrison was shot, they observed the suspect running away and gave pursuit on foot. Officers began to struggle with the suspect in an attempt to take him into custody. The suspect refused to obey repeated commands to comply with the officers and submit to arrest. This struggle took place within approximately three feet from the suspect’s weapon which was lying on the ground.

Following the incident, CMPD received information from citizens who stated they observed officers kicking and striking the suspect while he was on the ground. Some witnesses stated officers struck the suspect after he was placed in handcuffs. After learning of these serious allegations, CMPD immediately began to investigate to determine all of the facts and circumstances concerning this incident.


CMPD’s Internal Affairs Division immediately began the investigation and collaborated with the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, FBI, US Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice, due to the seriousness of the allegations that were made.


Investigators immediately returned to the neighborhood in an effort to locate individuals who witnessed the incident. Investigators interviewed a multitude of witnesses. Several of these individuals were interviewed as many as three times in an effort to ensure all information was obtained. Malcolm Xavier Springs was interviewed by Internal Affairs investigators on two separate occasions. Additionally, CMPD utilized the media asking anyone in the public who may have witnessed the incident to come forward or call a hotline CMPD dedicated specifically to this investigation.


Several canvasses of the area and neighborhood were conducted at different times of the day and night to give investigators several different perspectives of the crime scene. These canvasses included retracing the paths of the vehicle and foot pursuits as well as the area of Malcolm Spring’s apprehension. Locations that were retraced included streets, heavily wooded areas and fence lines. The police chief himself retraced these locations several times in an effort to ensure investigators had the proper resources and staff they needed to conduct a thorough investigation. More than 600 pages of information including documents, statements and photographs were generated during the course of this very comprehensive investigation.


The investigation confirmed officers did strike and kick the suspect during the struggle and that these strikes and kicks were delivered to maintain control of the suspect and to prevent him from gaining access to the weapon during the apprehension. These strikes and kicks were justified according to departmental policy and training. It was also determined that officers did not strike or kick the suspect after he was placed in handcuffs.


Investigators found no evidence to support the allegations of excessive use of force by the officers on the scene. This conclusion was determined after investigators reviewed the consistency of all statements from witnesses, police, fire and medic personnel who were on the scene of the incident as well as the hospital staff who treated the suspect. The review of medical records, photographs, audio and video recordings were also critical in determining the facts of this case. Investigators concluded that the officers involved utilized the reasonable amount of force necessary consistent with departmental policy and training. A review will take place to determine whether any enhanced training would be necessary concerning officers’ communication with each other when arresting a combative suspect. In addition, the manner in which officers give verbal commands to combative suspects will be reviewed.


“The actions of our officers were lawful, proper, and just, and they fell within CMPD’s use of force guidelines. I want to assure the public that we do not take allegations of this nature lightly and that we always will conduct an aggressive and thorough investigation,” stated Chief Rodney D. Monroe, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. In addition, I want to thank our citizens for their support which played a key role during the investigation. I encourage the public to always come forward with any information that would be beneficial to an ongoing departmental investigation. We have a responsibility to work together, police and citizens alike, to keep our community safe.”
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's A/D/W and Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a shooting that occurred at 1419 West Trade Street in the Metro Division. The suspect, Malcolm Xavier Springs, was transported to CMC for the treatment of serious injuries. He was released from the hospital on March 22nd and booked in the Mecklenburg County Jail.

Upon the officers’ arrival, a witness advised them of the suspect vehicle description. A BOLO (be on the lookout) was disseminated throughout the city. A short time later, an officer observed a vehicle matching the description and attempted to make a traffic stop near Highland Street and Marlowe Avenue, when the suspect jumped and ran from the vehicle.

Officers engaged in a short foot pursuit before the suspect eluded them. Canine Officers and the Aviation Unit were dispatched along with other officers to set up a perimeter to locate the suspect. Shortly thereafter, the suspect was located between homes on Garibaldi Avenue.

The suspect, Malcolm Xavier Springs, who was armed with a handgun, fired his weapon at Officer B. Harrison, striking him in the right leg. The officer returned fire and struck the suspect in the lower torso. The officer was transported to Presbyterian Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The suspect was transported to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment of life threatening injuries.

Investigators with the Internal Affairs Unit are on scene conducting a parallel investigation. It is standard procedure for Internal Affairs to investigate any time an officer discharges their weapon to ensure all CMPD policies and procedures have been followed.

If you have any information about any of the events that occurred, please call Detective Osorio at 704-432-TIPS, Internal Affairs at 704-336-2336 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 if they have any information regarding the events listed above. The confidentiality of each person who calls to speak to a detective is assured!!

Man Shot after SWAT Standoff

UPDATE: The subject has been identified as LC Furtick. Detectives have obtained the following warrants against Mr. Furtick:

* 3 Counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill
* 3 Counts of Assault with a Firearm on a Law Enforcement Officer

- The victim officers are as follows: JD Guard, J Milliken, JP Monteleone
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Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives and Internal Affairs are conducting an investigation into a shooting that occurred at 5512 Snow White Lane in the North Tryon Division. The incident was reported at 9:14 a.m. on Thursday, November 25, 2010.

North Tryon Division officers responded to a suicidal threat call for service. Upon officer’s arrival, the subject was standing inside his residence with a handgun. Officers retreated and contacted the on-duty supervisor, who is also a SWAT Negotiator. The on-duty supervisor arrived on scene and spoke with subject by phone.

At 10:27 a.m. SWAT officers responded and took command of the scene. The SWAT Negotiator kept the subject on the phone while SWAT established a perimeter. The subject then exited his residence with the phone in one hand, and the gun in the other. The negotiator and officers on the scene gave continuous verbal commands for the subject to put down the gun. The subject then lowered the phone and raised the handgun and advanced towards the officers. One of the officers fired his weapon twice and the subject fell to the ground, suffering from two gunshot wounds. The subject was alert and conscious while en-route to Carolinas Medical Center.

Investigators with the Internal Affairs Unit are on scene conducting a parallel investigation. It is standard procedure for Internal Affairs to investigate any time an officer discharges their weapon to ensure all CMPD policies and procedures have been followed. Crime Scene Search is on scene to photograph and collect the physical evidence.

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

CMPD Officer Fired at Suspect who Refused to Drop Knife

CMPD Case Update: Homicide Unit Detectives continue to investigate the shooting incident involving Officer M. Wilson as he responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Knife call on Brandie Glen Drive. This is a very unfortunate incident and our thoughts remain with the young man and his family as well as Officer Wilson and his family.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that Officer Wilson was dispatched to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Knife call with the information that the suspect was possibly still on scene. When Officer Wilson arrived on scene, he located the stabbing victim, Valinda Streater, who was down the street from the actual location of the stabbing.

After a brief initial interview with Ms. Streater, Officer Wilson walked towards her home in order to check on her elderly parents who were still inside the house and to look for a possible suspect. As Officer Wilson walked towards Ms. Streater’s home, his attention was drawn to two subjects, one of which appeared very agitated walking towards him and holding a knife. Unknown to Officer Wilson at the time, this individual was Ms. Streater’s 15 year old son, Jeffery Green. Officer Wilson gave several commands to Mr. Green to drop the knife; he did not drop the knife and continued walking towards Officer Wilson.

Based on statements from Officer Wilson, he feared for his life and fired his service pistol striking Mr. Green who was armed with the knife. Mr. Green immediately ran from the scene and was located a short distance away behind a house. Medic was called for Mr. Green and he was rushed to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment. During a search of the area, a 12 ½” knife was located in a grassy area immediately adjacent to the scene of the shooting.

Several witnesses have come forward to give statements as it relates to this incident; however, at this time CMPD has yet to interview Mr. Green. CMPD continues to canvass the neighborhood for additional witnesses and request that anyone who has information to add to this investigation call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective B. Ward is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Officer Wilson has been placed on paid administrative leave which is standard procedure whenever an officer is involved in a shooting. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division will continue to investigate to ensure that all department policies and procedures were followed.

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On Saturday, October 16, 2010, at 9:30 p.m., North Division officers responded to an ADW call for service in reference to a female being stabbed in the 4400 block of Brandie Glen Drive.

The suspect, Bruce Jenkins, (photo right) was arrested several blocks away by officers. He will be transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, where he will remain in their custody for A/D/W on the female victim.

It has been determined that the subject who was shot by the police officer is the son of the female victim. He was in no way associated with the earlier assault. It appears that the son was on scene very upset and we are investigating his actions and how those actions were perceived by the officers at the time of the shooting.

Detectives with the Homicide Unit will conduct an investigation into the stabbing incident and detectives with Internal Affairs will conduct a separate but parallel investigation into the incident to ensure that all department procedures and policies were followed.

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

Man Shot & Killed at Lake Point Apartments

James Hodges

UPDATE IV:  3/18/12- James Hodges has been returned to the Mecklenburg County Jail where he awaits trial for two murder charges.


UPDATE III:  October 31, 2011- The suspect in this case, James Farris Hodges, was arrested over the weekend by the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, in Poughkeepsie, NY.  Mr. Hodges is currently in the custody of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, where he will remain pending an extradition hearing.

UPDATE II: (5/24/11)- On May 24, 2011, CMPD Homicide Unit Detectives obtained a murder warrant on James Farris Hodges in reference to this investigation.  Detectives have reason to believe that Hodges has fled the state.  

Detectives are coordinating with VCAT, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the US Marshals, who are actively tracking Mr. Hodges.  Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mr. Hodges is asked to contact VCAT at 704-336-VCAT, or call Crime Stoppers at 704-336-1600.

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UPDATE I: (9/7/10)-  On 09/03/2010, CMPD Homicide Detectives obtained a murder warrant on James Edward Currie.  Detectives obtained information that Currie had fled the state and traveled to New York.  Detectives contacted VCAT, who in cooperation with the New York FBI Task Force began tracking him in New York.

On 09/04/2010, Homicide Detectives were contacted by Nassau County, NY Police Department and advised that Currie had been arrested on the North Carolina murder warrant but he was also a suspect in an unrelated murder in New York.  CMPD Homicide Detectives were advised that Currie had in fact been charged in the New York murder. 

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James Currie

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a shooting in the common area of an apartment complex which left one man dead.  The incident took place at 6000 Lake Forest Road, which is located in the CMPD Hickory Grove Division at the Lake Point Apartments. The incident was reported at 9:49 pm on Saturday, August 7, 2010.


Hickory Grove Division officers responded to a call for service in reference to a subject who had been shot multiple times. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim lying on the ground behind one of the apartment buildings, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Medic transported the victim to Carolinas Medical Center-Main where he was pronounced deceased.  The victim has been identified as Brooks Dangelo Crist.

Crime Scene Search responded to the scene collect physical evidence. Detectives with the Gang Unit are on-scene and assisting Homicide 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 B. Fitch is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CMPD Investigating Officer Involved Shooting

Case Update: The subject of this investigation has been identified as Terrence Darden.

Homicide Unit Detectives have obtained warrants on Mr. Darden for the following offenses: ADW-Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, PWISD-Marijuana, Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Resist-Law Enforcement Officer.

Mr. Darden remains at CMC; once he is released, he will be transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. As previously stated, Detectives did speak to Mr. Darden at CMC who admitted to having the gun. Mr. Darden was armed and displaying the gun during the foot pursuit
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into an officer involved shooting which left one person in critical condition. The incident took place in the common area of Timber Ridge Apartments, off the 7200 block of Barrington Drive in the North Tryon Division. The incident was called in to CMPD Communications via a CMPD Officer’s handheld radio at 8:22 p.m., on Thursday, July 1, 2010.

Three members of the North Tryon Division’s Focused Mission Team made voluntary contact with a subject in the common area of Timber Ridge Apartments. Based upon initial statements from officers at the scene, as they were running after the subject, the subject produced a handgun. At that time, Officer Thomas Wishon fired his service weapon at the subject. The subject received a single gunshot wound to the upper body; detectives are still trying to determine whether the bullet entered the subject’s chest or back.

The subject was taken into custody and officers notified headquarters to send Medic to the scene. Medic began treating the subject’s injuries on scene and transported him to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment of his wounds. Homicide Detectives were able to speak with the subject while at CMC. A firearm was recovered on the scene and collected as evidence.

The investigation is in its initial stages. The involved police officers and civilian witnesses still need to be interviewed at police headquarters. As additional information develops, including the name of the subject who was shot, it will be released through the CMPD Public Affairs Office. No CMPD Officers were injured during this incident.

Crime Scene Search responded to the scene and to the hospital to collect physical evidence. Detectives with the Gang Unit and the ADW Unit are on-scene assisting; the Helicopter Unit responded to the scene as well.

Officer Wishon will be placed on paid administrative leave as per department policy when involved in a shooting incident. Officer Wishon was hired on May 15, 2006, and is currently assigned to the North Tryon Division as a member of their Focused Mission Team.

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

CMPD Investigating a Homicide at the Lamplighter Inn

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a shooting which left one person dead. The shooting took place outside of a room at the Lamplighter Inn, located at 4425 Eddleman Road in the Freedom Division. The incident was reported at 12:03 a.m., on Wednesday, June 23, 2010.

The victim has been identified as Demetrius Paul Gonzalez. The shooter has been identified as Darrin Maurice Miller. In addition, Iesha Chelle Murphy is charged with armed robbery in relation to this case.

Freedom Division officers responded to a call for service in reference to one person shot outside of a second story room at the Lamplighter Inn. When officers arrived on scene, they located Mr. Demetrius Gonzalez lying on the walkway suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. Medic arrived on scene shortly afterwards and pronounced him deceased on the scene.

Based on initial witness statements, the victim was involved in a verbal altercation with another male subject and a second male subject shot the victim once in the chest. The shooter is cooperating with Homicide Unit Detectives and will be interviewed at CMPD Headquarters. A firearm was recovered at the scene underneath the second story walkway.

Although this investigation is in its initial stages, it apparent that the incident is not a random act of violence and the parties involved had some type of relationship prior to the shooting.

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

Police Shoot Female Robbery Suspect in Union County

UPDATE: The Union County Sheriff's Office said Christina Michailidis died Wednesday at 12:35 p.m. from injuries she received after being shot by deputies.
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A 28-year old female accused of robbing a Walgreens Pharmacy located at 5975 Weddington Road was shot by police at the Sun Valley Commons Shopping Center around 7:00 pm tonight.

Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey said police were looking for Christina Yoryea Michailidis (R) after the pharmacy inside a Walgreens in Wesley Chapel was robbed by a woman seeking narcotic drugs.

Union County Officers spotted a car matching the description of the getaway vehicle (silver Hyundai Sonata) in the shopping center on Wesley Chapel Stouts Road.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey said four officers approached the vehicle and the woman got out of the car and pointed what appeared to be a gun at one of the officers. Shots were then fired by officers and the woman was taken by ambulance to CMC-Main in Charlotte. She was hit at least twice.

Her condition is unknown at this time. The SBI is investigating this shooting which is standard procedure in officer involved shootings in Union County, Cathey said. No deputies were injured.