Pair of Charlotte Teens Arrested for Local Crime Spree

CMPD officers arrested 18 year-old Nicholas James Rosthal and 17 year-old Matthew Forrest Davis, 17 on Saturday. They two are being charged with a host of larceny-related crimes after authorities determined that the pair are responsible for an area crime wave spanning two days.

The pair were arrested after stealing a controller for a video came system and a biscuit from the Target store located in the Blakeney shopping center. Rosthal and Davis were walking away from the shopping center when police officers responding to the report found them.

Upon investigating, authorities were able to determine that the pair were involved in a string of local crimes including thefts and break-ins. Police say those crimes took place in neighborhoods on Ardrey Kell Road, including Landing Green and Hunters Gate.

In total, the two teens face 18 charges, ranging from multiple larceny charges and breaking and entering vehicles to resisting arrest. Rosthal and Davis will face further charges, which are pending, for four other cases involving breaking into cars in that region.

Matthew Forrest Davis

Nicholas James Rosenthal

Hunters Gate and the Landing Green neighborhoods off Ardrey Kell Road.

Two Charlotte teens are facing several larceny and break-in charges after investigators connected them to a two-day crime spree.

On Saturday morning, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police were called to a reported disturbance at the Blakeney shopping center, near the intersection of Rea and Ardrey Kell roads in southern Mecklenburg County.

Officers said they detained two people leaving the area on foot and discovered that the pair, identified as Nicholas James Rosthal, 18, and Matthew Forrest Davis, 17, had just committed a larceny at the Target store in the shopping center.

According to a police report, a breakfast biscuit and a video game system controller were reported stolen from the store.

Police soon connected Rosthal and Davis to other larcenies that happened during a two-day span in the Hunters Gate and the Landing Green neighborhoods off Ardrey Kell Road. Police said those crimes included home break-ins and larcenies from vehicles.

Suspect in Teen Kidnapping Faces Incriminating DNA Evidence

Freddie Grant

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE: 16 Year-Old Charged With Death of Charlotte Teenager

UPDATE: The victim in this case has been identified as 13 year-old Khalil Malik Cousart. Police have charged Damien Wright, 16, with his murder. A motive has yet to be released, but police say the victim knew his accused killer.

This is the fourth case this year of a teenager shot and killed in Charlotte.

A teenager was killed last night near Parkway Avenue and Tuckaseegee Road. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are working to identify the victim, who they determined to be 12-15 years old. According to investigators, a passing motorist in the area was stopped by a young male about 1:00 AM. The male alerted the motorist to the victim, who called police. When police arrived they found the victim had been shot in the chest at lease once. Investigators found 2 shell casings at the scene, while neighbors claimed they heard a minimum of five gunshots. The victim was taken to Carolinas Medical Center where he later died. The young man that flagged down the motorist fled the scene before police arrived.


Police say the victim wasn't carrying identification and have not released a suspect or motive. Police also referred to the investigation as a death investigation, not a homicide.

If you have information about this incident, please call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 or CMPD Detectives at (704) 432-TIPS.

Accused Killer of Monroe Teen Goes to Trial

Michael Johnson, 28, is scheduled to appear in court today for the alleged killing of 16 year-old Phylicia Barnes in December of 2010. Barnes was visiting a sister in the Baltimore area when she went missing. Months later her body was discovered in the Susquehanna River, where area police labeled her death a homicide.

Johnson was charged for the murder in April and pled not-guilty on June 19. He is accused of suffocating Barnes and transporting her body in a 35 gallon tub. The investigation uncovered over 500 texts and phone calls between the two during the summer before the murder.

Though it is unclear if the trial will be delayed by Johnson's attorneys, they claim that prosecutors have no evidence against him.

Barnes was a senior at Monroe's Union Academy.

Thugs Cause Mayhem in Uptown Charlotte Overnight!

Early this morning, after the Speed Street event ended, all chaos broke out in uptown Charlotte as CMPD Officers responded to several confrontations in the N College St. & E Trade St. area throughout the night.  Police say several groups of 50 or more people began fighting with each other and refused police commands to disperse.  Police say it is estimated that approximately 25,000 - 30,000 people were in the four block area of uptown- from the intersection of College Street and Trade Street.

CMPD also stated that additional groups of people gathered around the CATS' Transit Center who were not participating in any of the Speed Street events.  Approximately 70 arrests were made, including nearly 15 juvenile arrests.  The majority of the arrests were made for disorderly conduct, fighting, assault and impeding traffic.

CMPD Officers noted several people were flashing gang signs, challenging others as well as the police officers.  In addition, they were attempting to block sidewalks and impeding vehicle traffic. The center city was staffed with on-duty officers from the Central Division and officers working in a secondary employment capacity for the 'Speed Street' event.  Based upon the disruptions, additional pre-staged Civil Emergency Unit Officers were called in from surrounding divisions to assist in managing the crowds.

It looks like Charlotte's 'near riot' made the 'Drudge Report' today:

** If you think the fights downtown (or elsewhere in Charlotte) are a random occurrence, check out some of the video coverage posted online.  It is especially disheartening to see so many videos of violence in our schools as well as the lack of respect for Police Officers by so many Charlotteans.  Wake up people!!!  (Special thanks to Cedar Posts & Barbwire Fences blog) for some of the links provided:

LINKS:

Fight at Vance High School Ends in Three Teen Arrests

Early this morning, CMPD Officers were dispatched to CMS' Zebulon B. Vance High School after a fight occurred amongst several teens in the school cafeteria. Vance High School is located in the 7600 block of IBM Road which is off West WT Harris Boulevard.

Police have charged three teens in connection with the fight. Donovan Meeks, 17, was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting an officer. DaQuan Davidson, 19, was charged with disorderly conduct. Daunte Conner, 17, was charged with damage to property (for breaking a window in the cafeteria) and disorderly conduct.

A CMS' Spokeswoman said the CMPD Officers & CMS School Resource Officers were able to quickly control the situation and there were no injures as a result of the fight.

* Check out the The Meck Deck's blog post on the topic..

One Teen Shot, Pregnant Teen Trampled at Party

From News Channel 36: A teenager was shot and a pregnant teen was trampled during a party in east Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say.

It happened around 12:39 a.m. Monday at the Machu Picchu Restaurant and Lounge on Independence Boulevard near North Sharon Amity Road.

Officers tell NewsChannel 36 that the restaurant was rented out for a party for 16- to 18-year-olds at the time. A fight started inside the restaurant and moved outside where the shots were fired.

According to police, a teen who was an innocent bystander was shot in the leg. He was transported to Presbyterian Hospital by private vehicle. His injuries are not life-threatening.

A pregnant teen fell to the ground and was trampled during the shooting as a crowd tried to run back inside the restaurant, police say. She was transported to the hospital as a precaution.

No arrests have been made so far. If you know anything about this case, you're asked to call police or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Charlotte Teens on MySpace

Here are some good examples of what some of Charlotte's teenagers are posting on MySpace... Gang signs, guns, drugs and proud to be thugs....


Previous MySpace Posts: Jan '08, Aug '07, Feb '07 I, Feb 07 II

Teen Sent to Jail for Armed Robbery

William Gosier, 17, was found guilty and sentenced to serve 5 - 6 1/2 years in prison for an armed robbery offense he committed on January 22, 2007.

Police say the victim was working inside a home he was renovating on Rockwood Road when two young black males came inside and pointed handguns at him. They robbed him of his wallet and cash and fled in the neighborhood. Through the course of the investigation, a third suspect was also identified.

Gosier, then 16, and two juveniles, were located and arrested. Gosier was charged with armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. On April 29, 2008, after only 1 hour of deliberation, a jury found William Gosier guilty on all counts. He had no prior record of convictions.

What Teens Post on MySpace...

If you are a parent or guardian of a teenager, I suggest you take the time to check out your son or daughter's MySpace and other social networking accounts. You may be surprised at what you find out...

Teen Hit in Drive-by Shooting

A 14-year old boy was shot early Saturday morning during a drive-by shooting on Fincher Blvd.

Police say the boy and a group of others were having a party when someone inside a black Ford Taurus shot at the group. The 14-year old was shot in the hip and is expected to be okay.

If you have any information about the shooting, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Saggy Pants Debate in Charlotte

UPDATE: The board voted 6 to 1 against Commissioner Bill James' proposal to refer a "saggy pants" ban to a county committee for study. (Read More: WBTV- Charlotte Observer)

WBTV reported about a possible ban on saggy pants in Charlotte. City Leaders asking for an ordinance aren't concerned with extra big or baggy pants in general-- only those baggy pants that expose underwear or boxers.

Calling it the "Pull Em Up" ordinance, Mecklenburg County commissioner Bill James says he will suggest that the county and city health and safety committees recommend making "saggy pants" part of what's defined as indecent exposure. James will propose the ordinance at the commissioners meeting tonight.

The origin of saggy pants is up for debate, but many experts agree that it's an evolution of ill-fitting prison garb. Since belts are banned in jail and uniforms aren't tailor-made, pants would sag. It is believed former inmates brought the fashion to the streets and the sagging phenomenon was born.



Cities with Saggy Pants Ordinances:
* Shreveport & Alexandria, LA: Ordinance allows some sag, but 3 inches or more can bring a fine of $25 to $200 and a requirement for community service.
* Hawkinsville, GA: The ordinance states it is 'unlawful for any person to appear in any public place or in view of the public wearing pants or shorts below the waist, which expose the skin or undergarments.' The penalty is a $250 fine and 40 hours of community service.
* Delcambre, LA: Ordinance states: Wearing pants low enough to show boxers or buttocks can result in six months jail time and a $500 fine.

Cities Considering Banning Saggy Pants: Trenton, NJ, Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Stratford, CT, Stantonsburg, NC, Duncan, OK, Pine Bluff, AR, Opa-Locka City, FL, Baltimore, MD, Jamaica

Thugs on MySpace III

It's been a while since I've looked at MySpace to see what Charlotte's teen thugs are up to. Once again, it wasn't hard to find 'new' photos of Charlotte teens flashing guns, gang signs, drugs, etc.

My favorite is 18-year old Joshua Fletcher's MySpace page. Fletcher isn't the sharpest tack in town. He posts photos of guns, drugs, booze, money, posing with police cars and he even includes road signs he's shot up. Here is the kicker... he isn't trying to hide anything-- his last photo is that of his NC drivers license. Of course, Fletcher has an arrest record.

Other notable finds: Photo of a thug posing on the 'Hidden Valley' community sign with his ankle bracelet in plain sight. Video showing off guns and drugs, several teens calling themselves 'thugs'... photos of their parent's mugshots, etc. Enjoy the show!

MySpace Thugs I & MySpace Thugs II

NAACP-vs- Mayor McCrory

The NAACP is seeking an apology from Charlotte's Mayor Pat McCrory for a statement he made in a letter to city manager Curt Walton regarding the 4th of July. McCrory wrote, "...Too many of our youth, primarily African American, are imitating and/or participating in a gangster type of dress, attitude, behavior and action..."

Am I missing something here? Why is the NAACP upset with McCrory? As far as I am concerned, Mayor McCrory hit the nail on the head. If you take a look at juvenile crime in Charlotte... it IS the African-American males who are the majority of the offenders and most of them do dress like gangsters!

Is the NAACP going to continue to criticize McCrory or will they take action to help the struggling youth in this city? I think we need less talk and more action... More @ Observer

Police Enforcing Youth Curfew

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are strictly enforcing Charlotte-Mecklenburg's Youth Protection Ordinance (aka) curfew this summer. The curfew is for kids/teens under the age of 16. The curfew is valid in both the City of Charlotte and unincorporated Mecklenburg County. (More Info)

* Curfew Hours *
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00pm - 6:00am
Friday & Saturday: 12:01am - 6:00am

* Restricted Areas *
Any public place or any place that is generally open to and used by the public; streets, sidewalks, highways, alleys, public vehicular areas and parking lots, transportation facilities, theaters, restaurants, schools and school grounds, playgrounds, parks, and other common areas open to or accessible to the public.

* Offenses *
(1) A juvenile commits an offense by being present in or remaining in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the city during the restricted hours.
(2) A parent or guardian of a juvenile commits an offense if he/she knowingly permits or allows the juvenile to remain in any public place during the restricted hours.
(3) The owner, operator, or an employee of an establishment commits an offense if he/she knowingly allows a juvenile to remain upon the premises of the establishment during the restricted hours.
(4) It is a violation of the ordinance for any person 16 years of age or older to aid or abet a juvenile in being present or remaining in a public place within the city during the restricted hours.
(5) It is a violation of the ordinance for a parent or guardian to refuse to take custody during the restricted hours. (Certain exceptions exist for juveniles in a public place during the restricted hours which are set out in the ordinance.)

* Penalties *
(1) A juvenile who violates any provision of the ordinance is subject to being adjudicated delinquent.
(2) Any parent/guardian or other person who violates the ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Teen Goes on a Joyride & Crashes into House

A 15-year old boy stole his father's van this afternoon to go on a joyride and ended up destroying a house and getting arrested. The incident started shortly before 4:30pm when the teen was speeding down the road was nearly T-boned at an intersection by a bus.

The teen swerved to avoid crashing into the bus and lost control of the car, struck an above-ground electrical meter box and then hit a home on Fox Point Drive. The van crashed into the garage of the home and it burst into flames spreading fire rapidly throughout the house.

The teenager driving the van was unharmed and ran from the scene. He was later captured by police and arrested. Thankfully, no one was home at the time of the accident because the entire house is destroyed. The following photos were taken by WCNC:

Student Found with a Loaded Gun at Vance High School

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police arrested a 14-year old boy today after a School Resource Officer and Principal found a loaded pistol in his backpack at Vance High School.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Officials said the gun was discovered around 8:00 this morning after they received an anonymous tip.

CMS officials said the gun was loaded with one bullet, however, the student did not threaten anyone with the gun. Today's incident is the 8th gun CMS Officials have found on CMS campuses this school year.

Teen YouTube Video on FOX News Geraldo 'At-Large' Show

Geraldo featured the Charlotte Teen Youtube video on the FOX News 'At-Large' show tonight.

Imagine my surprise to see the video of the two Charlotte brothers I posted about on this site weeks ago!

As far as I know, the full video and information about the teen brothers isn't posted anywhere else on the internet except here at crimeincharlotte.com.

I was excited so I couldn't resist grabbing my camera to take a picture of the TV...
-More Pics-

Two 8th Graders Busted with Gun in School

Two eighth grade students were arrested today at Northridge Middle School after CMS officials found a gun in one of the students bookbags.

According to school officials, a student saw the gun on the bus and reported the incident to school officials. Two students were arrested because they swapped the gun in the bathroom.

The students who were arrested could be suspended for a year according to CMS' zero tolerance policy. The students are due a hearing to determine if they should be suspended. Source: Charlotte Observer

Teen Steals Moped at Gunpoint

Montrez Benjamin Williams, 16, was arrested early this morning and charged with robbery using a dangerous weapon and assault with a gun.

Police say Montrez Williams pistol whipped a 13-year old boy and stole his moped around 10:00 last night. The 13-year old victim suffered minor injuries.

Montrez is a student at West Mecklenburg High School and turned 16 in August. His bond is set at $28,000.