Iredell County Sheriff Busts 5-Man Burglary Ring

Five people have been arrested in connection with a major burglary ring, according to Iredell County authorities, who worked with law enforcement from at least 7 other North Carolina counties to apprehend the suspects.

The group is suspected to have been behind over 40 burglaries in North Carolina, including 8 counties spanning, from McDowell to Union.  Though the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office claims the ring involved 6 people, only the arrests of 5 suspects have been made public.

Keenan Wade Hildebrand was arrested in Statesville on July 3rd.  About two weeks later on the 19th, Christian Dean Ser Catarino and Jessica Brady were arrested in a hotel in Charlotte.  Finally, on July 24th, John Willard Blackwelder and Trisha Marie Nelson were apprehended at the Conover Wal-Mart in Catawba County.

The arrests stem from an Iredell / Rowan County Sheriff’s investigation in which stolen goods were recovered in Statesville at both the Quality Inn and the Advantage Mini Storage on July 3rd. This led to the arrest of Hildebrand, who is currently in an Iredell County jail.  According to investigators, they recovered stolen goods valued at over $20,000, including firearms and jewelry.

The success of the July 3rd search led investigators to the remaining suspects.  After a disturbance at a Charlotte hotel, Catarino and Brady were arrested, with Catarino being charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.  Following their apprehension, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police notified Iredell County officials of the arrests, where Brady was taken to Iredell County jail as Catarino remains incarcerated in Charlotte.

Blackwelder and Nelson were found days later at the Conover Wal-Mart, with assistance from the NC Highway Patrol and Conover Police.  The couple, now jailed in Catawba County, was driving a stolen car.  Inside the car were stolen goods including firearms and items connected to a Mooresville burglary.

Iredell County authorities have asked that anyone who might have been a victim of these burglaries and who may be able to identify stolen items to contact the agency where they filed a burglary report.

CMPD Seeking Convenience Store/Gas Station Robber

CMPD Robbery Unit Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are seeking the assistance of the public in identifying the person pictured in the shown photographs.

The suspect is wanted in connection with several robberies from convenience stores/gas stations. Two recent incidents include the June 4, 2012, robbery of the Kangaroo Express located at 6229 W. Sugar Creek Rd and the June 3, 2012, robbery of the Circle-K located at 7225 Albemarle Rd.

This person should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information concerning his identity and or whereabouts is asked to call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 704-334-1600.

Police Seek Suspect in Rite-Aid Robbery

CMPD is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect shown in the photos below.  On May 20th, the suspect robbed the Rite-Aid store located at 2215 West Arrowood Road.

The suspect vehicle appears to be driving some type of Sport Utility or Crossover style vehicle (possibly a Chevy Traverse) which is silver in Color.   If you can ID the suspect, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Two ADA's Robbed & Assaulted in Uptown Cemetery

Early Saturday morning, two Mecklenburg County Assistant District Attorney's were robbed and attacked while cutting through Elmwood Cemetery (700 block of West 6th Street) to get to the woman’s car. 

Police say the victims do not wish to be named but both are 28 years old, one is male and the other is female.  The male victim was hit in the head with a 2x4 and needed to get many stitches. A watch and earrings were taken from the pair during the robbery.

The District Attorney’s Office released this statement about the assault:  “All of us here in the D.A.’s Office are members of this community and feel the impact of crimes such as this one. We’re looking forward to both of them being back at work soon.”

Police say the suspect is a light-skinned black man in his 30's who is bald with a muscular build.  If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CPCC Student Robbed near Central Campus

CPCC's Security & Emergency Management Department is reporting that on Tuesday, November 8th at approximately 1 pm,  a CPCC student was the victim of an off-campus robbery along Elizabeth Avenue near the CPCC Central Campus.

During the incident, two suspects reportedly took the student’s personal property by force. The victim suffered an injury and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The suspects are described as two black males- one was wearing a black coat and the other wearing a black hoodie.

CMPD is investigating the incident at this time.  Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or text information to TIP372.

Robbery Victim Found Naked in the Street & Suspect is Hit by Truck

WBTV's Cam Man (Ron Lee) had an interesting story this morning...

Habitual Offender & Robbery Suspect Arrested in Westover Division

Michael Conway

UPDATE:  Check out the Meck-Deck's post on Conway

CMPD Westover Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department arrested 42-year old Michael Conway on July 5th after he robbed two gas stations.

The first report of a robbery came from the Petro Express located at 605 Clanton Road. The victim told officers that the suspect entered the store and demanded the money from the cash register, implying he had a gun.  The suspect took the cash and got into a taxi before leaving the location.

Approximately five minutes later, another robbery occurred at the Circle-K located at 4001 South Blvd.  The store clerk stated that she was behind the counter when the suspect entered the store and implied he had a gun, and demanded money from the register and again got in to a taxi.

The suspect and vehicle descriptions were identical to those of the prior robbery.  The description was broadcast over the police radio and officers circulated the area looking for the vehicle and/or suspect.  A short time later, Westover Division Officers located a vehicle matching the description and CMPD Steele Creek officers assisted Westover officers as they stopped the taxi on Woodlawn Road.

A witness was transported to the location and identified Michael Conway as the man responsible for the Circle-K robbery.  A search incident to arrest also resulted in officers recovering property that was stolen from the Petro Express robbery.   It was determined that the taxi driver was transporting Mr. Conway was not aware of the suspect’s criminal activity inside the stores.

Michael Conway was charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Common Law Robbery.  Since 2001, Conway has a lengthy NC criminal record including in Mecklenburg County, where he was arrested in 2008 and charged with four counts of robbing a business, one count of robbing an individual and for being a habitual felon.  In May 2011, he was arrested again for conspiring to sell & distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and for resisting an officer.  This guy was just released from prison in April 2011 since his admission on July 7, 2009.  Reformed? I don't think so...

The CMPD says they will continue to work aggressively to remove these type of individuals from society who repeatedly prey on our community.  Excellent communication and coordination between patrol officers in Westover and Steele Creek Divisions in the field and dispatch were critical elements in apprehending this repeat offender before he victimized anyone else.

CMPD Seeking KP Express Mart Robbery Suspect

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Robbery Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individual pictured in the attached photographs.

The suspect committed the offense at the KP Express Mart located at 2634 Statesville Ave. The suspect used a taser device on the store employee several times during the incident. He was last seen wearing a green ball-cap, green t-shirt, sunglasses, dark colored jeans and dark shoes.

CMPD is asking that anyone who can identify this suspect to please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CMPD Arrests Robbery Duo on Mint Street

Micah Atkinson

Early this morning, CMPD's Central Division Officers were flagged down by a 70-year old male near W.Trade St. & S. Mint Street. The man stated that he was walking towards the Greyhound bus terminal when two suspects (male & female) approached him from behind, pushed him into a dark area and stole his wallet and suitcase.  After the robbery, the suspects ran from the scene down Mint Street.

Officers immediately began to canvas the area and search for the suspects when they observed two people matching the description of the suspects... rifling through a suitcase! The male suspect observed the officers and victim approaching them and ran from the scene.

Shakeva Bernard

After a short foot chase, Officers were able to apprehend the two suspects; Micah Christopher Atkinson and Shakeva Raeniece Bernard.  The victim positively identified the suspects as the individuals who robbed him and both were charged with Common Law Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery & Resisting a Public Officer.  This is Micah Atkinson's 3rd arrest since Dec 2010!

The CMPD says they will continue to aggressively work to remove individuals from society who repeatedly prey on our community.  Additionally, we continue to urge citizens to observe and report suspicious activity by calling 911.

Anyone with information on unsolved cases may forward their anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600

Police Seeking Man & Women who Beat & Robbed Bus Passenger

WBTV's Anchor Paul Cameron has a great 'Crime Stoppers' spot in which he features recent crimes that the police are looking for public assistance in identifying the suspect(s).  This particular one began with an argument at the Transit Center downtown and ended with a CATS bus rider beaten and robbed.

The CMPD recovered very good surveillance pictures from inside the bus showing the suspects and CMPD Detective Cuthbertson believes it will lead to an arrest.  Please watch the video from WBTV and if you can help police identify the supects, please call Crimestoppers at (704) 334-1600.

Police Seeking Sexual Assault & Robbery Suspect

Case Update: The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) worked throughout the weekend and developed information that led to locating Mr. Carter at a hotel in Macon, GA. VCAT immediately coordinated efforts with the Macon Police Department and the US Marshals Service. Investigators with the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force responded to America ’s Best Value Inn, in Macon, to search for Mr. Carter.

While at the hotel, investigators located a vehicle stolen from Charlotte 's Grier Heights neighborhood on February 27th. Investigators observed Mr. Carter come to the vehicle and before they could reach him, he fled from the scene. After a brief pursuit, Mr. Carter fled on foot. Macon Police Department Officers, K-9, Georgia State Patrol and Investigators with the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force searched for several hours, finally locating the fugitive hiding under a house. VCAT will assist the Mecklenburg County District Attorneys' Office in coordinating Carter's extradition back to Charlotte for prosecution.

Detectives from the Sexual Assault and Robbery Units are traveling to Macon , GA today in an attempt to interview Mr. Carter. While Mr. Carter will be charged with the incident that occurred on Ferncliff Drive , detectives will continue to investigate other cases for his involvement.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department would like to extend many thanks to the State Bureau of Investigation, whose Laboratory unit provided expeditious analysis of forensic evidence in this case, and to the Macon Police Department, the United States Marshals Service and the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force Service for helping coordinate the activities that led to Mr. Carter's arrest.
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Case Update: Sexual Assault Unit detectives signed warrants against Jaunton Gregory Carter in regards to the cases involving the hit & run, rape, kidnapping and robberies that occurred on February 22, 2010. The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team has been actively searching for Mr. Carter since late last night. Please contact VCAT at 704-336-VCAT, or simply 911, with any information as to Mr. Carter’s whereabouts.

The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) conducts fugitive recovery investigations and operations targeting the most violent offenders operating or located within the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County . The unit maintains sworn status through the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshal's Service in order to pursue individuals preying upon the citizens of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County wherever they may flee. Mr. Carter should be considered armed and dangerous.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Robbery and Sexual Assault Unit Detectives are investigating two offenses that occurred overnight.

The first offense occurred in the Providence Division at the 3000 block of Ferncliff Rd. Two female victims were driving home at approximately at 2:00 am when their vehicle was struck from behind at the intersection of Runnymeade and Colony Roads. The female driver exits the vehicle and walks back to check for damage where she is confronted by the other driver who is armed with a handgun and demands money. When the females are unable to produce any money, the suspect forces them to drive to an ATM. They were unable to withdraw any funds and the suspect then forced them to drive away from the bank. The suspect directed them to the 3000 block of Ferncliff Road , where he raped the driver and fondled the passenger.

The second offense occurred at the 700 block of McDonald Avenue , which is located in the Westover Division. In this incident, the lone female victim was driving home, when at approximately at 2:35 am, her vehicle was intentionally struck from behind. When the victim exited her vehicle to check for damage, the suspect confronted her with a handgun and demanded money. The victim complied with the request and the suspect immediately left the area.

It is believed that these incidents are related and the suspect is described as being a dark skinned black male, 5’10 in height, thin build with a goatee. He was last seen wearing wearing a black hoody. The vehicle is described as a small dark colored car. The suspect could be possibly following women leaving bars and nightclubs.

We are seeking the public’s assistance. In the first incident, the suspect vehicle was left at the intersection of Runnymeade and Colony Roads and may have appeared to be abandoned between the hours of 2:00 am- 3:00 am. Detectives are also seeking a possible witness to the first offense. A white mini-van was seen at Ferncliff or around the time of the assault. The victim’s vehicle is a small white car.

Detectives from the Sexual Assault and the Robbery Units, along with the Special Victims Unit are actively investigating both incidents. They will be in the area of both crimes canvassing for additional information and witnesses.

We caution that all motorists while driving at night to be aware of your surroundings. If you are involved in an accident, please drive to a well-lighted area that is well populated and call 911 immediately. Be sure to turn your hazard lights on and wait for police to arrive before exiting your vehicle.

Please advise the public to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, if they have any information regarding these cases. The lead detective assigned to this case is Det. C. Owens with the Sexual Assault and can be reached at 704-336-6030 and Sgt. D. Price at 704-336-4188.

Man Charged with Old Navy Robbery

On May 11, 2009, Demario Rollins, 18, entered the Old Navy store located at 9000 JM Keynes Dr., and violently attacked a 46-year old female employee. According to police, Rollins punched her in the face causing serious facial injuries. He also robbed the business of merchandise.

The case was presented to the District Attorneys office and warrants were signed on Demario Rollins on June 11, 2009, charging him with Common Law Robbery and Assault Inflicting Serious Injury in reference to the robbery.

This is Rollins 6th arrest in Mecklenburg County-- since he turned 16.

6/5 & 6/6: Reported Robberies

CMPD reported the following robberies on June 6, 2009:

6500 Wisteria Dr.
Division 26 Westover
6/6/2009 - 14:25
Robbery from Person - Armed
The victim reports being robbed by an unknown B/M suspect. The victim was getting items out of his SUV when he was approached by the suspect that pointed a black semi auto hand gun at him and demanded money. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

8400 Maclphine Park Dr.
Division 17 Independence
6/6/2009 - 12:38 Robbery from Business - Strong Arm
The victim reports he was robbed by a known B/M suspect. The victim attempted to run and fell, while he was on the ground the suspect punched the victim in the face. The victim stated that he handed he suspect money from his pocket, but the suspect threw the money back to him when another person approached.

5800 Monroe Road
Division 17 Independence
6/6/2009 - 03:33
Robbery from Person - Strong Arm
The Hispanic male victim advised that he walked from his apartment into the common area of the apartment community and observed two black males talking. The victim stated that the black males quickly approached him and grabbed him, demanding money. The victim stated that the suspects were both muscular and very intimidating.

3700 Michigan Ave
Division 07 North Tryon
6/6/2009 - 03:23
Robbery from Person - Strong Arm
The victim stated that while he was walking home, he was approached by three black males. The victim stated that the suspect beat him up and stole his wallet.

3900 Carlyle Drive
Division 27 Freedom
6/6/2009 - 00:38
Robbery from Business - Armed
The victim stated that he was making a Pizza delivery when he was approached by the listed suspects, one of which acted like he had a gun under his jacket, who demanded, and then took the listed property from the same.

CMPD reported the following robberies on June 5, 2009:

4100 E. WT Harris Blvd
Division 07 North Tryon
6/5/2009 - 22:23
Robbery from Person - Armed
The victim reported that suspect #1 got in the victim's unlocked passenger door while the victim was stopped at a stoplight. The suspect struck the victim in his face and displayed a handgun. Suspect #1 ordered the victim to drive to a nearby ATM where suspect #2 was waiting. The suspects forced the victim to withdraw money from the ATM, which the suspects took from the victim. The suspects then punched the victim several times before they fled the scene in a vehicle.

1000 Valley Ridge Road
Division 27 Freedom
6/5/2009 - 22:09
Robbery from Person - Armed
The suspects forced entry into the victim's residence without consent from the victims, while the victims were located inside the residence. The suspects used a firearm to pistol whip the victim causing serious lacerations to the victim's head and face. The suspects then took the victim's cell phone and wallet while the victim was still in possession of his property.

200 Stamey Circle
Division 26 Westover
6/5/2009 - 21:51
Robbery from Person - Armed
The two unknown B/M suspects robbed him at gunpoint and took the victim's wallet and car keys.

8500 Bellhaven Blvd
Division 11 North
6/5/2009 - 20:39
Robbery from Person - Armed
The listed W/M unknown suspect attempted to rob the store located at 8450 Bellhaven Blvd on 6/5/2009 at approximately 8:35 pm. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victim. No items were taken.

7200 Albemarle Road
Division 12 Hickory Grove
6/5/2009 - 14:43
Robbery from Person - Strong Arm
On the above date and time at the above listed address, the listed victim stated that the listed suspect intimidated her and made her give him money.

2500 Dunlavin Way
Division 06 Eastway
6/5/2009 - 13:06
Robbery from Person - Armed
The victim stated that he was robbed by two BM suspects armed with guns. One suspect is clean shaven, wearing a black t-shirt, is about 5' 5" tall and 170 pounds. The other is about 5' 6" tall, 170 pounds, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.

UNCC Professor Robbed, Beaten & Left For Dead

WSOC-TV: After three and a half months, a University of North Carolina at Charlotte professor has woken from the coma he went into after he was brutally attacked in uptown Charlotte.

"I saw him the day the incident occurred, and he is a walking miracle," said Sgt. Mike Harris with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Assault with a Deadly Weapon Unit.

Harris said Narayan Dhakal was beaten in October by three teens. Right now, police only know them by their street names. “They're between 15 to 18 years old. They're black males who go by the names "Spade", "Tyrique," and "Respect," Harris said.

The police do not know who they are or where to find them, but they said they believe the three frequent the area by the Time Warner Cable Arena and Charlotte Transit Center.

"We don't know if it's a way for them to target more people or a place they hang out or the ease of access to the downtown area," Harris said.

While police try to find the teens responsible, Dr. Flora Hammond, a traumatic brain injury specialist at Carolinas Medical Center, said patients like Dhakal have a long road to recovery.

If you have any information that can help police, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CMPD Investigating an attempted robbery in Eastway Division

Update: CMPD Robbery Detectives have arrested Dung Quoc Luong in reference to the attempted robbery of the MJ Banh Mi Café, located at 2825 Central Avenue.

He was released from Carolinas Medical Center at approximately 10:00 pm last night and was transported to Police Headquarters where he was interviewed by Detectives. Mr. Luong is charged with attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by felon.

Mr. Luong is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail. He has a number of previous arrests on charges ranging from aggravated assault with a gun to larceny and possession of stolen property.
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CMPD Robbery Detectives are investigating an attempted robbery of the MJ Banh Mi Café. Eastway Division officers responded to the robbery call at 5:25 p.m., on August 4, 2008. The café owners and the suspect, Dung Quoc Luong, were the only people inside the store at the time of the attempted robbery. When the officers arrived, they found the Luong lying on the floor after having been subdued by the café owner.

Initial indications are that the suspect demanded money from the café owner by brandishing a large hunting knife. The victim was able to subdue the suspect and hold him until CMPD patrol officers arrived on scene. The first Eastway Division officer arrived on scene less than three minutes after the call was received.

CMPD Robbery Detectives responded to the scene and are currently interviewing the store owners. The suspect was transported to Carolinas Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries he received while being subdued by the victim.

Woman Robs & Beats Victim with Rock

Ashley Sharon Hunter, 18, is charged with attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia after she allegedly robbed and assaulted someone with a rock this morning.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said the assault happened on St. Vardell Lane. The victim was taken to Carolinas Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

CMPD Investigating Brutal Assault of Elderly Female

CMPD robbery detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the brutal assault of an elderly woman that left her with serious injuries. The incident occurred at 7525 Mary Jo Helms Drive around 12:30 this afternoon.

The 78-year old victim had visible injuries when she approached her neighbor who in turn called 911. Officers, detectives and crime scene technicians responded to the scene. Medic also responded to treat and transport Ms. Gomez to CMC where she is listed in critical condition. Because of her condition, Ms.Gomez has been unable to communicate with detectives.

Detectives are investigating the possibility that Ms. Gomez was injured during the course of a robbery. Family members report some items are missing from the home. There was no visible sign of forced entry and no suspect descriptions.

Anyone with information in this case, especially those in the area of Mary Jo Helms Drive around the time of the incident, is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

July 2007: 215 Robberies in Charlotte, NC

According to the CMPD Watch Commanders Report, 215 robberies were reported during the month of July in Charlotte. The Watch Commanders Report doesn't capture all reported crimes, so the number of robberies is most likely higher. Weapons (mostly guns) were used during most of the robberies. The following map shows where the robberies occurred:

About mapVine

*More information on any of the mapped robberies can be found @ the Crime Blotter. *

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)

Pizza Hut Robbed

Police are searching for the man who robbed a Pizza Hut on Fairview Road and pistol-whipped an employee Tuesday afternoon.

Officers said a black man entered the south Charlotte store around 4:15 p.m., showed a gun and demanded money. The robber then struck the clerk with his weapon. The suspect escaped with an undisclosed sum of cash in a blue car driven by a white man.

The employee was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Police said the crime is unusual because of the afternoon hour and because it occurred in a shopping center that has a lot of foot traffic. They said robberies at pick-up pizza places usually occur late at night. Source: WSOC-TV