CMPD South Division Officers Arrest Robbery Suspects

Williams

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have arrested Thomas Charles Williams,  Ariel Demond Gantt and Jasmine Laquinta Hill for their involvement in a robbery that was reported on May 30, 2012.

Gantt

On May 30, 2012, at approximately 8:00 p.m., South Division patrol officers were flagged down by a victim in the 7700 block of Colony Rd.

The victim stated that he had arranged to meet an individual at a shopping center after the individual responded to an ad on Craigslist that the victim took out in an attempt to sell an IPad.   The victim stated that Thomas Charles Williams approached him at the pre-arranged meeting spot and took the device before running away and getting into a vehicle that was waiting for him in the area occupied by the other suspects.

Hill

Officers were able to locate the vehicle a short time later and the suspects were arrested without incident.  

Williams and Gantt have been charged with common law robbery and conspiracy.

Jasmine Laquinta Hill was arrested and charged with conspiracy.

Domestic Stabbing Leaves Ex-NYPD Officer Dead

Carole LaRossa

UPDATE II:  Carole LaRossa has been released on bond and is at home on electronic monitoring.  Her next court date is August 2nd at 9am in courtroom 5350.

UPDATE:   The victim has been identified as James "Jimmy" LaRossa, 51.  He was stabbed 19 times in the back, according to Prosecutors.  LaRossa was a NYPD Officer for 15 years and retired in 2001.   CMPD Homicide Detectives have charged Mr. LaRossa’s ex-wife, Carole LaRossa, with murder.
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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit are conducting an investigation into a stabbing that took place at  8500 Dianthus Court which left one man dead and a female with non-life threatening injuries. The call for service came in at 9:49pm.

South Division patrol officers responded to The Apartments at Blakeney off of Rea Road in reference to an assault with a deadly weapon call for service. Upon arrival they located a male and female inside of the apartment suffering from apparent stab wounds.

James LaRossa

James LaRossa was pronounced deceased on scene. The female was transported to Carolinas Medical Center where she is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Based on the initial investigation this incident appears to be domestic violence related.  The couple’s daughter was at a sleepover during the killing.

Initial indications are that the male and female began arguing which then escalated to the stabbing. Detectives are currently canvassing the complex to determine if anyone saw or heard anything in the moments leading up to the stabbing that will aid in the investigation.

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Detectives from the Gang Unit and Domestic Violence Detectives also responded to the scene.

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

Man Shot & Killed on Dianthus Court

CMPD's Homicide Detectives are currently conducting an investigation into a shooting that occurred in the CMPD South Division on Dianthus Court. The victim has been identified and his name will be released once family notification is made. 

At 5:43pm, CMPD Officers arrived on scene and located a male subject suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  Medic transported the victim to Carolinas Medical Center-Pineville for treatment.  A short time later, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by physicians.

The other individual involved has voluntarily been transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning and is cooperating fully with detectives. This is not a random act of violence; both parties are known to each other.

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process and collect physical evidence.  Detective Morales is the lead detective assigned to the case.

Male Body Found Floating in Pond in South Charlotte

Earlier today, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were called to the Carolina Pavilion Shopping Center when a someone noticed a dead body floating in a retention pond on the property, located approx. 200 yards from Kohl's on the far side of the shopping center.

CMPD Search and rescue crews responded to the Carolina Pavilion Shopping Center (off I-485) at 9500 South Boulevard shortly before 2:00 pm to retrieve the body but police are not ready to release the male victim's name nor the exact cause of death.

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

15-Year Old Kills Parents in Pineville

The Liewald Family

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation at 12313 Buxton Drive, in the South Division. The call for service was reported at 2:05 a.m., on Monday, September 26, 2011. The victims have been positively identified as Christian Hans Liewald and Cassie Meghan Buckaloo.

Homicide Unit Detectives have arrested the suspect,15-year Matthew Liewald and charged him with the Murder of his Father and Step-Mother.  Liewaldhas also been charged with Armed Robbery and Attempted Auto Theft.

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South Division Officers initially responded to a Check the Welfare call placed by a male subject who stated that he needed the police but refused to say why. The subject then called 911 again and stated that he had shot his dad and his step-mother. The subject identified himself and stated that he would be sitting on a nearby street corner waiting for officers to arrive.

When officers arrived on scene, they took the subject into custody. Two officers then drove to the address on Buxton Drive where they found a male and an female, both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Once officers determined that there were no additional subjects inside the residence they secured the scene and called for the Homicide Unit. The subject who called 911 has been transported to police headquarters. Homicide Unit Detectives will canvass the neighborhood to determine if there are any witnesses to the incident.

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Detectives with the Special Victims Division responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

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

* More Info @ Charlotte Observer

CMPD South Division Officers Save Elderly Couple

Three CMPD officers from the South Division responded to a call on Cypress Creek Lane this morning and saved the lives of an elderly couple.  According to CMPD,  the nurse who checks on the couple daily arrived this morning shortly after 7 am and heard that the CO detector (Carbon Monoxide) was activated.

The nurse ran inside to check on the welfare of the elderly couple and saw they were both unconscious.  She ran back outside and called 911.  CMPD South Division officers Hovis, Lineberger and Kierce responded to the scene within 2-3 minutes and entered the residence.  Officers Hovis and Kierce carried the elderly male from the bedroom, while Officer Lineberger carried out the female.

Once outside the residence, the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) arrived on scene and began emergency care. The male was transported to Carolinas Medical Center in downtown Charlotte by Medic; his wife was transported to Presbyterian Hospital, where she remains in Intensive Care. Her husband will be transported to Duke Medical Center for further treatment.

All three CMPD officers were transported to CMC for CO exposure. Officers Hovis, Lineberger and Kierce have been treated and released and should make a full recovery.

Kudos to all three CMPD Officers who went above and beyond the call of duty, exposing themselves to danger, to save the lives of two Charlotte citizens!  We salute you!

CMPD South Division Officers Arrest B&E Suspects

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers arrested Derrick Brooks and Sherrod Pauley on January 31, 2011, at approximately 11:00 pm, when officers were dispatched to a call of a home break-in that occurred at an apartment in the 6800 block of Poppy Hills Lane.

The victim stated he was in his apartment when the suspect broke into his residence. The victim stated he got out of bed and retrieved his gun as he met the suspect in the entrance to the victims bedroom. The victim stated the suspect began to advance towards him and he fired one shot that missed as the suspect ran out of the apartment and got into a waiting Ford Explorer before fleeing the scene in the vehicle.

A short time later, officers observed an Explorer matching the description of the vehicle the suspect fled in. Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested both suspects without incident.

Derrick Brooks and Sherrod Pauley have both been charged with First Degree Burglary.

This is Sherrod Pauley’s 13th arrest in Mecklenburg County and Derrick Brooks' 8th arrest since 2008!

Detectives Conducting a Hit and Run Investigation in South Division

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department HITS Unit are conducting an investigation into a Hit and Run fatality crash along the 7700 block of Carmel Road, near Timber Hill Court. A 911 call was received at 3:11 a.m., on Wednesday, September 01, 2010, when the caller noticed that a man was lying in the roadway. The victim has has been identified as Jesse Carlton Hawkins, W/M, DOB: 10/24/1987.

South Division officers responded to a call for service in reference to a motorcycle accident along Carmel Road. When officers arrived on scene, they found the victim lying unconscious in the roadway. The victim’s moped was off the roadway in a grassy area near a tree line. Medic pronounced the victim deceased at 3:21 a.m. Based upon information gathered at the scene, detectives with the HITS unit have reason to believe that the victim was involved in a single vehicle crash, in which he lost control of his moped. A short time later, a vehicle ran the victim over and continued on its way without stopping to report the incident.

Detectives do have information that the victim was in the Carmel Road/Johnston Road area shortly after 2:00 a.m. The time line for this crash is approximately between 2:10 a.m. and 3:11 a.m., when it was reported to police. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance with this case to help identify the suspect vehicle. At this time, we are asking that anyone in the area this morning who believes that they may have been involved in a crash to come forward and speak with detectives. South Division Officers have set up an information checkpoint for people leaving the neighborhood to notify them of the incident and to ask for the public’s assistance if they have any information about the incident. As additional information develops in this case, it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs.

Crime Scene Search responded to the scene collect physical evidence. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Victim's Mother & Cousin Arrested for her Rape & Murder (Brittini Ward)

UPDATE II:  Dawn Ward has been CLEARED of all criminal charges involving her killing her 23-year-old daughter and having a sexual relationship with her nephew.

UPDATE: Dawn Michelle Ward, the mother of Brittini Ward and the aunt of Derek Ward, was arrested earlier today by deputies with the Lexington County, SC, Sheriff’s Department in connection with the murder of Brittini Ward.

She was arrested without incident at her parent’s home and taken to the Lexington County Detention Center. Ms. Dawn Ward waived extradition and was transported back to Charlotte, NC, by Detectives with the CMPD Homicide Unit, who had previously obtained warrants for her arrest for the following charges: Murder, Accessory After the Fact to a Felony, Incest (with Derek Ward)

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Members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team arrested Derek Ward for the murder and rape of his 23-year old cousin, Brittini Ward.

On May 5, 2010, Medic, CFD and CMPD Police Officers were dispatched to a medical call at 8101 Providence Court Lane. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found Brittini Ward inside the apartment deceased.

South Division Officers secured the scene and notified the CMPD Homicide Unit. Homicide Detectives arrived and conducted a death investigation and interviewed everyone present in the home while Crime Scene collected evidence from the scene. The victim was transported to the Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy.

As the investigation continued, Homicide Detectives were contacted by extended family members from out of state with new information regarding the case. Subsequently, Homicide Detectives conducted additional interviews and were able to sign arrest warrants on Derek Ward who was residing at the same address of Brittni Ward at the time of the incident.

Mr. Ward is currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office charged with Murder and 1st Degree Rape.

Man Arrested for Groping Women in South Charlotte Stores

UPDATE: On May 24, 2010, a subject matching the description of the sexual battery suspect was taken into custody at the Harris Teeter store located at 11516 Providence Road. The suspect has been identified as Juan Perez aka Juan Carlos Torres-Lemuz.

An employee of the store alerted two CMPD officers to the fact the suspect may be inside their store. One officer was working for Harris Teeter in a secondary employment capacity; the second is a member of the South Division’s Focused Mission Team, who was assigned to patrol the parking lot in an effort to locate the suspect or his vehicle, a white Chevrolet van.

Officers quickly located the suspect and took him into custody. His vehicle was also located in the parking lot. Once officers had the suspect in custody, a woman came forward to state that the suspect had just groped her moments earlier.

The suspect was interviewed at the South Division office and will be charged with four counts of Sexual Battery, one each for the victims in these cases. In the Wal-Mart case, the suspect assaulted two separate victims, for a total of four victims.

The male subject shown in the above slide show is believed to be the man responsible for two recent sexual battery cases that occurred in Wal-Mart and Harris Teeter Stores located in the South Division.

The surveillance photos were taken of the suspect on May 15, 2010, between 12:15 and 12:20 p.m. at the Harris Teeter located at 11516 Providence Road. The suspect is believed to be between 5’8” and 5’10” tall and about 150 pounds. If anyone recognizes the man in the photos they are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Shooting outside Bentley's RSVP Club

Case Update:
Ø Four victims were shot outside of Bentley’s RSVP Club, 305 W. 4th Street, at approximately 2:22 a.m., on Saturday, March 20, 2010
Ø It has been confirmed that there had been an altercation inside the club between two black females prior to the shootings.
Ø The two females and their male companions were asked to leave and exited the club.

CMPD detectives are seeking the identity of the following:
- (2) Black females who were fighting inside the club just after 2 a.m.

- (1) Black male, described as approximately 21-24 years old, dreadlocks; shoulder length, “Baby face;” with no visible facial hair, Light skinned, 6’2 - 6’3, 150-160lbs, Wearing a Charlotte Hornets colors (old jersey), purple shirt and jeans White T-Shirt under Jersey and a baseball cap; purple in color with a letter “A” displayed
J’s tennis shoes (Michael Jordon’s. Witnesses described this individual as a possible shooter

- (1) Black male, described as approximately 25-28 years old, 5’8, 180lbs,muscular build, Darker skinned with Goatee, Longer dreadlocks; past his shoulders and were tired back into a ponytail, Black sunglasses with gold trim, Wearing a Rocawear button up shirt; front side was light color with logo on back, old chain around his neck with cross.

The above subjects are Persons of Interest in the investigation at this time.

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department ADW Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a shooting in the parking lot area of 305 West 4th Street. Four people received gunshot wounds and were transported to area hospitals. The call for service came in at 1:54 a.m., on Saturday, March 20, 2010.

Central Division officers responded to a call for service regarding an argument between two males which began inside Bentley’s and spilled over into the street. The argument turned violent when one of the males pulled out a firearm and began shooting. Two people standing in the parking lot were shot; one was shot in the chest, the other was shot in the foot. They were both transported to Presbyterian Hospital for treatment. The victim who was shot in the chest is in stable condition; the victim shot in the foot has a non-life threatening injury. Two other victims who were driving along West 4th Street were shot in the head. These two victims were transported to Carolinas Medical Center, with non-life threatening injuries. The vehicle they were driving in crashed at the corner of West 4th Street and South Mint Street.

This investigation is in its initial stages. ADW Unit detectives will continue to actively investigate this incident throughout Saturday. The limited suspect description at this time is a black male with dreads, about 6’ tall.

Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to an ADW Unit Detective. Detective Caldwell is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers 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.

Detectives Investigating a Homicide off John Price Road

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Detectives are investigating a robbery and subsequent shooting off the 11000 block of John Price Road , which left the robbery suspect dead. The deceased has been identified as Renaldo Raphael Astin Smith, 17.

Shortly before 9:45 p.m., on Sunday, September 06, 2009, Steele Creek Division officers responded to a robbery call placed by a cab driver. The cab driver stated that he was dispatched to the Colonial Village at Stone Point apartment complex to pick up a fare.

Once inside the complex, the cab driver was flagged down by a subject who then entered the right front passenger seat. The cab driver stated that as he exited the complex, the subject that he picked up produced a gun and demanded money. The cab driver then produced his own handgun and shot the subject, killing him.

The cab driver stopped his vehicle on John Price Road , just before South Tryon Street and called 911 to report the incident. The subject whom the cab driver shot was pronounced deceased on scene. The cab driver was uninjured; he remained with his cab until a patrol officer arrived and he is cooperating fully with detectives.

Detectives with the Homicide Unit are on scene conducting the investigation. Crime Scene Search is on scene as well, photographing the scene and collecting physical evidence. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be presented to the Mecklenburg Count District Attorney’s Office to determine whether or not the cab driver will be charged.

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

South Division Officers Make Arrests in Professional Burglary Ring

Over the last two weeks, South Division Officers have uncovered a professional burglary ring with national and international connections. The burglars targeted high-end homes in New York and South Charlotte.

The investigation started July 18th with a 911 call about a suspicious vehicle call on Colony Road. The responding officer observed a vehicle in the area that matched the description. The officer followed the car for a while but chose not to stop it after determining that the registration and insurance was valid. The officer did write down the tag of the vehicle.

Approximately 15 minutes later, officers responded to a 911 burglary in progress call at a residence on Colony Road. The owners of the residence had observed two males running from their house when they arrived home. As part of the investigation of this incident, officers began looking for the earlier suspicious vehicle through the tag information that had been recorded by the initial officer. This tag information led the officers to a rental company.

The information obtained from that company lead officers to an apartment in Pineville. The Response Area Commander and several members of his Focused Mission Team went to this apartment and made contact with the occupants. Four people were encountered at this location. One of these persons matched the description of a subject seen fleeing the Colony Road burglary. A witness was brought to the apartment in Pineville. The witness positively identified Christian Aguirre as being one of the persons seen running from the burglary. The investigation continued on into Sunday July 19th.

Officers obtained and executed a search warrant for the apartment in Pineville. This resulted in the confiscation of 2 ounces of cocaine and several items of stolen property that have since been identified as being taken from 3 other burglaries that occurred in the South Division. Based on these discoveries, officers obtained warrants on Refugio Castanon, Carlos Bonetti, and Fidel Sandoval. Observation of the apartment continued following the service of the search warrant.

On Tuesday, July 21, suspicious individuals returned to the apartment in an apparent attempt to recover property still in the apartment. As a result of continued observation of the apartment, a traffic stop was conducted as the suspects attempted to leave the area. Refugio Castanon attempted to run but was quickly apprehended. The second occupant, Darwin Cruz was arrested for not having a driver’s license. A subsequent search of the car revealed a duffel bag containing $25,600. This money was confiscated.

During the arrest processing, Castanon’s fingerprints were entered into the P.I.D. (Positive Identification) system. The system alerted jail staff the Refugio Castanon was actually Pablo Castro and wanted by New York authorities. The system also listed an “America’s Most Wanted” hit which indicated that Castro had been featured on the TV show.

On Thursday July 23rd, South Division detectives received information that Carlos Bonetti was in Rock Hill. This information was passed to the Rock Hill Police who were able to quickly apprehend Bonetti.

This is a very complex investigation but based on information gained from the Search Warrant and New York authorities we believe that this group has been operating in South Charlotte since 2006. The subjects targeted specific high-end homes. Jewelry was most often the target during the burglaries. The jewelry and other items were packaged and shipped to the New York City area. From there, some of the property was shipped to Columbia South America.

The investigation is continuing. We ask that anyone with information on these subjects, please contact South Division burglary detectives at (704) 544-4835.

CMPD Detectives Conducting an In-Custody Death Investigation

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide, ADW detectives, and Internal Affairs are currently conducting an in-custody death investigation at 926 Clanton Road . The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. in the Westover Division. The individual has not been positively identified; pending identification and family notification his name will be released.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. today, the Firearms Enforcement Unit and Westover Division officers served a search warrant at 4416 South Tryon St , the AARCS Residence Suites in which one female was taken into police custody for delay and obstruct. Another male individual who was in the room during the execution of the search warrant told officers he had ingested narcotics as police entered the room. Officers immediately called Medic who responded and transported the male voluntarily to Carolinas Medical Center for the treatment. The male was not in police custody and left the hospital on his own accord before being treated by medical staff.

Shortly after 5:00 p.m., Westover Division Sergeant A. S. Harris was on routine patrol traveling on Clanton Road when he was flagged down by the earlier mentioned male. The male demanded to be taken to the hospital by Sergeant Harris who immediately called for Medic. Prior to Medic’s arrival the male tried to forcibly enter Sgt. Harris’ patrol vehicle and then attempted to enter a nearby residence. During the encounter, the male vomited several small baggies. Additional Westover Division officers responded to assist Sgt. Harris and placed the male in restraints; Charlotte Fire Department was on scene and monitored the male along with CMPD officers until Medic arrived. Medic treated and transported the male to Carolina ’s Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

Based on the information obtained from the preliminary investigation and evidence at the scene, detectives are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the individual’s death. In addition, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Internal Affairs unit will be conducting a separate internal investigation per departmental policy.

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

Wachovia Bank Robbed on South Blvd

The Charlotte Safe Street’s Task Force is asking for assistance from the public in identifying three men who robbed the Wachovia Bank branch at 6101 South Boulevard on April 10, 2009.

Witnesses saw three men get out of a Jeep Cherokee after lunch time and go into the bank. One suspect threatened employees and customers with a gun, ordering everyone to the floor while the other robber ran behind the counter and grabbed cash from the drawers. No shots were fired and no one was hurt.

The robbers and getaway driver abandoned the Jeep Cherokee a short distance from the bank. Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officers found it shortly after the robbery and discovered the Jeep had been stolen from the AMC Theater parking lot on South Boulevard only half an hour before the robbery.

All three men covered their faces; however, one suspect’s face is partially visible in surveillance photos. Investigators think someone will recognize the suspect or may know something about the robbery. Anyone with that information is asked to call the Charlotte Division of the FBI at 704-377-9200 or CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600.

Father & Son Charged with False Pretense for Stealing from Churches

On March 21st, Metro Division officers responded to a False Pretense at Reeder Memorial Church, located at 3725 Beatties Ford. The officer was met by two church employees who advised that the suspect had been to the church twice in the last two days telling church employees that a family member had been in a car crash and asking for money to get home to see them.

In between the first and second visit, the church had been notified by e-mail about the suspect and his father (with pictures) committing this crime at another church. The witnesses identified that the suspect who was getting in his vehicle to flee the scene. He was stopped and arrested before he could leave the parking lot. Further Investigation determined that the suspect's family members had not been hurt and that the subject was using a false story to get money from the church.

Travis Twitty (Top Photo) was also wanted in two other counties in North Carolina for similar charges using similar methods. Travis Twitty was arrested and charged with False Pretense. He was also served with Felony False Pretense warrants from Alamance and Moore County where a similar offense had been committed.

His father, David O'Neal Twitty, (Bottom Photo) was not involved in the Charlotte incident but is WANTED for similar felony offenses he committed with his son in Alamance and Moore County. David Twitty has over fifty prior arrests for various offenses committed in North and South Carolina. His last arrest was on 2/26/2009.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts or information on David or Travis Twitty’s involvement in other crimes should call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. That information will be forwarded to Patrol Officers and the Financial Crimes Unit.

Suspect in Four Bank Robberies Arrested

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and the Armed Robbery Unit, working in conjunction with the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, took Ricardo Javier Arellano into custody without incident on February 27, 2009.

Arellano is a suspect in four armed bank robberies in the Charlotte area. The bank manager of the First Citizen’s Bank at 424 Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail, NC, was kidnapped from her home and taken to the bank to open the vault on December 1, 2008.

There was an attempted robbery at the BB&T at 1241 Matthews Township Parkway on January, 2, 2009. The Truliant Federal Credit Union at 9524 Monroe Road was robbed on January 14, 2009. The most recent robbery was at the Bank of America at 2823 South Boulevard on February 24, 2009.

“This arrest shows why law enforcement agencies form partnerships. Members of our Safe Streets Task Force, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and the Union County Sheriff’s Office were all vital in tracking down a suspected violent criminal,” said Nathan Gray, Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the FBI.

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information about any of the bank robberies is asked to call the Charlotte Division of the FBI at 704-377-9200.

South & Providence Service Area meeting with Chief Monroe

On Thursday, January 15th at 6:00 pm, Chief Rodney Monroe will be meeting with residents of the Providence and South police divisions. Chief Monroe, Captain Martha Dozier of the Providence Division, and Captain Rod Golding from the South Division will be on hand answering questions from attendees and providing current information about crime in the South Service area.

Since arriving in Charlotte, Chief Monroe has been holding open forums with residents of all patrol divisions to introduce himself and to address their concerns.

The forum will begin promptly at 6:00 PM on Thursday, January 15th. It will be held on the campus of Central Church of God in the Discipleship Center. The church is located at 5301 Sardis Road, on the corner of Sardis Road and Randolph Road. I hope to see you there!

Chase, Crash & Death on the Brookshire Freeway

Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on January 8, 2009 Eastway Division officers responded to a 911 call for service in reference to an armed robbery from person at 1705 Eastcrest Dr. The victim was robbed at gunpoint and pistol-whipped by two black male suspects; who fled the scene in a stolen red Ford Mustang. Approximately thirty minutes later, Eastway Division officers spotted the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle. After the suspect vehicle refused to stop for officers; officers initiated a vehicle pursuit. They lost sight of the suspect vehicle and due to the high rate of speed officers terminated the vehicle pursuit.

While continuing to canvass the area for the suspect vehicle; officers encountered a vehicle collision in the 200 block of W Brookshire Frwy., which involved the suspect vehicle. A plain clothed City of Gastonia Officer stopped to render aid to the parties involved in the collision. Then as CMPD officers arrived they witnessed an altercation between the suspects and a plain clothed City of Gastonia officer. This encounter involved a carjacking between the suspect and the Gastonia officer. During the carjacking shots were fired by the officer striking the suspect, the suspect gained control of the officer’s vehicle, and sped off crashing the vehicle into an overhead highway sign post a short distance away.

Upon impact, the vehicle burst into flames, one suspect fled the scene and the second suspect was pulled from the burning vehicle by CMPD officers. The suspect who was pulled from the vehicle was pronounced deceased on scene and the second suspect was taken into police custody at 3113 Southwest Blvd, Apt #4 after an extensive search conducted by several CMPD officers.

Once suspect identification and family notification has been made their name will be released. In addition, the second suspect’s name will be released once he is formally charged.

CMPD Homicide detectives and the HITS unit will be conducting the investigation and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events that occurred during this incident. Crime Scene Search responded and is processing the scene for physical evidence. The exact cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office.