Detectives Conducting a Homicide Investigation in the University City Division

UPDATE: The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that Ms. Gabbidon was pregnant at the time of her death.   As such, additional charges are possible in this investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Morales is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation at 6315 Rockwell Church Road in the University City Division. The call for service came in at 12:24 a.m., on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. The victim has been identified as 17-year old Hawa Gabbidon.

University City patrol officers responded to an ADW call in reference to a subject shot in Theresa Elder Park. When officers arrived on scene, they located a female subject in the park suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased by Medic at 12:34 a.m.

Detectives with the Homicide Unit are canvassing the neighborhood to determine whether there are any witnesses to this incident. The investigation is in its early stages. As additional information develops, it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs.

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives of the Vice and Gang Unit 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 Morales is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Repeat Robbery Offender Strikes Again

Paul Reardon

Paul William Reardon, 26 (aka Peyton Williams) was arrested and charged with armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon after he robbed the Brownlee Jewelers in the University City area on Friday night.

Reardon is currently on probation, according to the NC DOC website.  He was convicted of three  different robberies that occurred in June & July 2010 in Charlotte.  He was sentenced to 36 months probation.

Two Men Shot & Killed in University City Division

Nelson Brice

UPDATE II:   Travis Peters, the suspect wanted in the murder of Steffon Quinton Montgomery and Jonathan Michael Green, turned himself in to authorities earlier today at the Prince George County Jail in Maryland. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Homicide Detectives will be interviewing Mr. Peters and extradition is pending.

UPDATE:   Detectives with the CMPD Homicide Unit have charged three suspects in this case. They have arrested Nelson Joseph Brice and charged him with two counts of Murder and two counts of Attempted Armed Robbery.

UPDATE: Patton was released from the hospital and is in the Mecklenburg County Jail--  Jeremy Lynard Patton is currently at CMC in critical condition suffering from a gunshot wound sustained during this incident. He is in police custody and charged with two counts of Murder and two counts of Attempted Armed Robbery.

Jeremy Patton (via Facebook)

The third suspect, Travis Gerald Peters, has also been charged with two counts of Murder and two counts of Attempted Armed Robbery.
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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and ADW Unit are conducting a homicide investigation at 1736 Forest Side Lane in the University City Division. The call for service came in at 12:53 a.m., on Friday, April 27, 2012.  The victims have been identified as Steffon Quinton Montgomery and Jonathan Michael Green.

University City Division patrol officers responded to an ADW call in reference to two people shot inside the above listed residence. When officers arrived on the scene, they found two males inside the residence suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were pronounced deceased on scene. A male and a female stated that they and the two victims were inside the residence when two other subjects showed up at the door. The shooting took place shortly after these two subjects were allowed inside.

Travis Peters

Detectives with the Homicide Unit and ADW Unit are canvassing the neighborhood to determine whether there are additional witnesses to this incident. The investigation is in its early stages.

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives of the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Homicide Prosecution Team responded to the scene as well as Detectives with the Vice & Narcotics Unit and the Gang Unit.

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

* This is Charlotte's 16th murder of 2012, compared to 9 at this time in 2011.

Alert Neighbors Help CMPD Nab B&E Suspects

University City Division officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have arrested Juan Antonio Brown and Mark Antonio Steele for their involvement in a recent residential breaking and entering incident.

On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at approximately 12:30 a.m. an alert neighbor called 911 stating he observed the suspects enter a vacant house in the 800 block of Reigate Road, remove appliances from the house, and place the items in a trailer before leaving the location.  The neighbor gave the tel-communicator a detailed description of the suspects and vehicle they were occupying.

A short time later, officers observed a vehicle matching the description and conducted a vehicle stop on Kempsford Drive. The suspects were detained and positively identified by the witness as the men involved in the incident. More than $2,500 in stolen household appliances were recovered and both suspects were taken into custody. The suspects have been charged with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and felony possession of stolen goods.

These arrests illustrate how critical it is for the community and police to work together. Had it not been for this engaged neighbor who called 911, these two property thieves would likely still be in our community free to victimize others. Anyone with additional information concerning this case or these suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

UNCC Student Shot near Mallard Creek Church Rd

Davahughn Johnson

UPDATE:  CMPD Detectives with the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team arrested Davahughn Lamar Johnson,17 at Mallard Creek High School for his involvement in the shooting that occurred at 10916 Education Way at The Flatts Apartments.

After conducting their investigation, A/D/W Detectives and University City Division Officers discovered that Mr. Borek and Mr. Johnson were meeting one another to conduct an illegal drug transaction when Mr. Johnson shot Mr. Borek. Mr. Johnson is being charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill/Inflict Serious Injury, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Handgun by a Minor.
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John Borek, Jr.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Detectives are searching for a suspect who shot UNCC student John Borek, Jr. in the neck around 12:30am.  Police say Borek was visiting friends at the The Flats of Mallard Creek Apartments near Mallard Creek Church Road.  The shooting occurred in the parking lot. CMPD Officers say the victim was in critical condition and had surgery at CMC-Main early this morning.  He is currently at Carolinas Medical Center in serious condition.

Detectives plan to review surveillance video for clues.  At this time, police say there were no witnesses and they do not know of a motive for the shooting.  UPDATE:  The suspect is described as a black male in his late teens to early 20's driving a 4-door silver or green Toyota Yaris.  If you have any information, please contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CMPD Seeking ATM Armed Robber

On March 16, 2012, the shown suspect committed an Armed Robbery at an ATM located at 2610 W Sugar Creek Rd, which is located in the CMPD University Division.  The suspect was wearing a dark blue jacket with a medium or navy blue band around the left sleeve of the jacket.  He is described as a black male, approx. 45 years of age, 6'2", 190 pounds.

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Robbery Unit are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. Please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 if you can identify the suspect or have information that can help police solve this crime.

Victim Found Dead Inside Home in CMPD University City Division

Case Update: Tuesday, January 24, 2012-   The victim in this case has been identified as George Watts, DOB: 08/26/1933.

Detectives with the Homicide Unit have charged Wilbert Sinclair Smith Jr, DOB: 09/05/1979, with Neglect Disable/Elder Serious Injury. Mr. Smith turned himself in to police custody and was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Strothers is the lead detective assigned to this case. In addition, you may call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Mr. Smith, the stepson of Mr. Watts, was the primary caregiver for Mr. Watts.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Detectives are conducting an investigation in the University City Division, where one person was found deceased.  The victim was found inside a residence at 10616 Hellebore Road. The initial call for service was received at 6:52 a.m. on January 21, 2012. The victim has been identified, pending family notification, the name will be released.

University City Division officers responded to the residence in reference to a death investigation. Upon their arrival, officers discovered a person that appeared to be deceased for several days. Detectives are interviewing relatives of the deceased. At this time, it is a suspicious death investigation and not believed to be a random act of violence.

Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The Arson Task Force (CFD, CMPD) is assisting with the investigation. Representatives of the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Homicide Prosecution Team responded to the scene as well.

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

Man Shot & Killed off Albemarle Rd; Four Men Arrested

UPDATE:   CMPD Homicide Unit Detectives have arrested four suspects in the murder of Singbay Mulbah.  All four suspects have been charged with Murder,  Armed Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery.
 
The four suspects have been identified as:  Kevin DeWayne King, Brandon Gregory King, (brother of Kevin King), Ramses Arthur Malloy Ratcliff and Therome Willie Poe

Mr. Mulbah went to 5400 Pin Oak Circle to sell a large quantity of drugs to the suspects, who intended to rob him of his drugs and money.   As the suspects attempted to rob Mr. Mulbah, he ran from the scene.   The suspects shot at Mr. Mulbah numerous times, striking him once in the femoral artery.  Mr. Mulbah was taken to the hospital by his brother and died shortly after arrival.

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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and ADW Unit are conducting an investigation into a shooting in which the victim was dropped off by friends at Carolinas Medical Center-University.  The medical staff at CMC called 911 to report the incident at 9:35 pm, on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. The victim has been positively identified as Singbay Mulbah.

University City Division officers responded to CMC-University at 8800 North Tryon Street to investigate the report of a shooting victim having been dropped off.  After the victim was dropped off by his friends, they left CMC in a black Cadillac sedan. The victim was rushed into the emergency room but succumbed to a gunshot wound at 9:49 pm and was pronounced deceased.

Detectives with the CMPD Homicide Unit are currently in the midst of determining where the shooting took place. They are also trying to locate the black Cadillac.   Initial indications are that the shooting took place at a location off Albemarle Road in the Hickory Grove Division.  As additional information develops in this case, I will update this post.

Crime Scene Search responded to CMC-University to process the scene and collect evidence.  Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Jolly is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

UNCC Parking Deck Robbers Arrested

Earlier today, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team took Gerald Antonio Stanley, III and Demarice Deon Terrell into custody on warrants for their arrest for the June 2, 2011, robbery at a UNCC parking deck. The third suspect, Gregory Dabray Deas was arrested by VCAT yesterday. All three suspects were arrested without incident.

The vehicle which was stolen during the robbery was located by The Aviation Unit with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in a remote wooded area, within the vicinity of where Mr. Deas was located and apprehended in the University City Division yesterday. 

Detectives with CMPD’s Electronic Monitoring Unit assisted in the investigation, as Mr. Deas was on Electronic Monitoring at the time of the robbery. This joint investigation between the CMPD and UNCC is ongoing. Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

All three suspects have been charged with Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery and Financial Transaction Card Theft.  All three suspects are currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Alert Citizen Helps Nab Breaking & Entering Suspects

Akee Williams

On June 14, 2011, at approximately 12:45 pm, CMPD University City Division Officers responded to a residential breaking and entering call in progress at a home located in the 2300 block of Carved Tree Lane.  An alert neighbor called 911 stating several young men forced their way into his neighbors home which was unoccupied at the time. 

Moments after the suspects descriptions were broadcast over the police radio, CMPD patrol officers located individuals matching the description of the suspects in the 6400 block of Rumple Road.

Jacob Montgomery

The reporting witness was transported to Rumple Road and positively identified the suspects as the men he witnessed breaking into the home, Akee Isaac Williams and Jacob Quartez Montgomery.  The victim later arrived and reported several pieces of jewelry and a debit card were stolen during the B&E.

This case illustrates the importance of community involvement.  With the help of an engaged neighbor who took the time to report this activity, police were able to able to arrest these two property thieves. The CMPD continues to urge the community to report any and all suspicious activity they see by calling 911.  Anyone with additional information concerning this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Habitual B&E Suspect Arrested in University City Division

Theodore Fuller

On April 13, 2011, CMPD University City Division officers responded to the 500 block of Mary Charlotte Drive for a call of a reported home B&E.   Once officers arrived, they spoke to the victim who stated that he turned on to his block to return home and observed a car back into his driveway and pull away. When the victim pulled into his driveway he saw that his front door had been kicked in. As the victim was approaching his home he observed the suspect run out the front door carrying a backpack containing items stolen from the victims home.

The witness stated that he yelled at the suspect and the suspect threw everything he was carrying and ran towards Mallard Creek Church Road. Crime Scene technicians processed the scene and collected prints of value from a stolen computer discarded by the suspect as he fled the scene. The prints collected matched the fingerprints of Theodore Antonio Fuller. The victim later positively identified Fuller as the suspect responsible for the B&E after he was shown a photographic lineup.

On May 10th, CMPD Detectives arrested Theodore Antonio Fuller and charged him with Breaking and Entering with Force and Felony Larceny.   Fuller is a prolific property thief and has an extensive arrest history. The CMPD will continue to work to remove individuals from society who repeatedly prey on our community. We urge citizens to observe and report suspicious activity by calling 911. Anyone with iinformation on unsolved cases may forward their anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CMPD Officers Arrest Woman for B&E at T-Mobile Store

University City Division officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have arrested Anita Rochelle Long.

On March 25, 2011, at approximately 1:00 am, Officers were dispatched to a Breaking and Entering call at the T-Mobile store located at 8821 J.W. Clay Blvd. When officers arrived at the location they observed the front door was shattered with what appeared to be a large rock. Management advised officers that several laptops and electronic tablets appeared to be missing.

A witness stated they heard the store alarm activate and observed a dark colored minivan speed off from the location. Officers located a vehicle matching the description in a cul-de-sac on Doug Mayes Place and observed several laptops and electronic tablets inside of vehicle.

Anita Rochelle Long was detained and confessed to the crime. Long has been charged with Breaking and Entering with Force, Conspiracy and Larceny.

If it had not been for an alert witness willing to get involved, this subject may still be free to victimize another person in our community. Kudos to the reporting citizen!!

16-Year Old Charged in Shooting Death on Ottington Place

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting their 57th murder investigation of the year. The shooting occurred at 3720 Ottington Place on Sunday, December 19th at 9:01pm in the CMPD University City Division. The victim has been positively identified as Jamall Pinkney.

Detectives with the CMPD Homicide Unit have arrested and charged Byron Sadler with the shooting death of Mr. Pinkney. Mr. Sadler has been charged with Murder.

According to CMPD, Officers responded to a call for service in reference to a person who had been shot. The call to 911 was placed by a friend of the victim, who stated that he and the victim, along with a third subject, were in the backyard shed when the victim sustained a gunshot wound.

Medic pronounced the victim deceased at 9:16 p.m., shortly after their arrival. Both subjects who were with the victim at the time of the shooting remained on scene and were transported voluntarily to police headquarters to give a statement.

Crime Scene Search responded to collect physical evidence and photograph the scene. 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.

Mother & Son Charged for Exploding Pen at Turning Point Academy

UPDATE II: Tracy Bauguess surrendered to the Mecklenburg County Sherriff’s Office on outstanding warrants. Detectives from the Arson Task Force continue to investigate this case aggressively and are continuing to follow-up on information.

Since this investigation is still in its early stages, more charges are possible in the future.

Anyone with information regarding the case at Turning Point Academy or with information about the possible criminal activities of the Bauguess family is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704 334-1600.

UPDATE: The CMPD Bomb Squad along with Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and ATF completed “render safe” procedures at 10622 Mt. Holly Road. Members of the Arson Task Force and CFD Hazmat are currently processing the scene for evidence and are awaiting arrival of EPA experts for evaluation of final clean-up procedures.

Based on the investigation of the Arson Task Force, triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is the highly explosive suspected in the detonation at Turning Point School on Monday. This explosive is extremely potent and unstable. During initial testing of a minute sample of the material, a spontaneous detonation injured three members of the CFD HazMat response team which was assisting the CMPD Bomb Squad and Arson Task Force. All three members were treated and released for injuries which could have been more devastating.

A significant quantity of this suspected explosive and precursor materials was located inside the residence. The quantity located was capable of extreme damage and loss of life within the community. Yesterday evening and continuing today, render safe procedures were executed by the bomb squad within the residence.

As the investigation progressed, evidence collected resulted in warrants being obtained on Tracy Bauguess, the mother of Jesse Bauguess. She has been charged with 3 counts of malicious injury by use of an explosive device and one count of possession of a weapon of mass destruction; she has not yet been taken into custody. Ms. Bauguess drives a purple Honda Civic, NC Tag XRJ-2678. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Ms. Bauguess is asked to call 911 immediately to have a patrol officer dispatched to their location.

This investigation is still in its early stages. More charges are possible as police move forward.
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Law enforcement officers went to the suspected teens' home on Mt. Holly Road Monday afternoon. About 30 nearby residents and a business were evacuated while police searched the teens' home for explosives or bomb-making materials. During their investigation, police questioned 16-year old Jessie Bauguess and his 15-year-old brother. Police are not releasing the younger brother's name since he is a minor.

During their search, three firefighters suffered minor injuries when a product they were testing exploded. Jessie Bauguess was charged on Monday with five felony counts: malicious use of explosive damage to property, malicious use of explosives injury, arson/unlawful burning resulting in serious injury to firefighter (3 counts). He was also charged with one misdemeanor count of possession of weapon on school grounds. Bauguess is being held at the Mecklenburg County jail under a $500,000 bond.

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The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Bomb Squad was dispatched to 2300 West Sugar Creek Road at CMS' Turning Point Academy, in reference to a suspicious explosive device. The incident took place at 9:16 a.m. on October 18, 2010 in the University City Division.

A student was injured by a small explosive device (pen) on the school property. The student was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries which were determined to be non-life threatening. The remaining students and staff were evacuated to a safe location and are providing information and statements that may be helpful during the course of the investigation.

Turning Point Academy is an alternative school within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District for students who have experienced disciplinary problems at other CMS schools.

Charlotte Fire Department, the HAZMAT team, the Arson Task Force, the Bomb Squad, Canine Units, Medic, Charlotte Mecklenburg School’s Police Department, state and federal agencies are all on scene assisting with the continued investigation.

Support 'Cops On Top' - Police Officers Raising Money for the Special Olympics

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Special Olympics Volunteers, athletes, and six area Chick-fil-A restaurants are partnering on a fundraiser for the Special Olympics in Charlotte on Thursday May 20th through Saturday May 22nd.

Come out to the following Charlotte, NC Chick-fil-A locations and support your fine police officers and donate to a great cause!

Woodlawn Road Chick-fil-A: 1540 E Woodlawn Rd
Davis Lake Chick-fil-A: 8433 Davis Lake Pkwy
Northlake Mall Chick-fil-A: 8411 Northlake Commons Blvd
Mountain Island Chick-fil-A: 9731 Callabridge Ct
University Place Chick-fil-A: 8648 J.W. Clay Blvd
Stonecrest Chick-fil-A: 7910 Rea Rd

Police Seeking More Information on Child Porn Suspect

Former UNCC student Heath Gerard, 22, was returned to Charlotte from West Virginia to face 6 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Police say they are concerned Gerard may have had serious illegal sexual contact with children or others in the Charlotte area and would like anyone with information to come forward immediately.

CMPD say they first became aware of Gerard while conducting an undercover Internet sting where they say obtained child pornography from a location in Charlotte and traced it back to Gerard’s computer.

In March, Detectives obtained a warrant and searched Gerard's residence where they took his computer and other digital media from the room he rented in the home. Investigators said they recovered many disturbing and bizarre sexually explicit photos and videos of young children being sexually abused. Police said the victims are children (girls and boys) mostly under the age of ten.

Police obtained arrest warrants but Gerard fled before they apprehended him. Weeks later, Gerard made contact with CMPD detectives and he was arrested in Beckley, West Virginia on April 30, 2010. Police said that when he appeared in court, he contested his extradition to Charlotte and became combative to the point that extra restraints were necessary to complete the hearing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective C. Perez of the CMPD Cyber Crimes Unit at 704-432-4707 or call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Gun Discharged in CMS 3rd Grade Class Room

CMPD Youth Crimes/Domestic Violence Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation regarding a juvenile student that discharged a firearm in a classroom at University Meadows Elementary School, located at 1600 Pavilion Blvd.

A teacher and other students were in the classroom when the incident occurred at 1:09 p.m. There were no injuries as a result of the incident.

The 8-year old juvenile was charged with Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds and was transported to the Gaston Regional Juvenile Detention Center. Detectives are still investigating to determine where and how the juvenile gained possession of the firearm. Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence.

Detectives with Youth Crimes/Domestic Violence along with Charlotte Mecklenburg School (CMS) Law Enforcement were all on scene to assist with this on-going investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Detective T. Johnson is the lead detective assigned to the case.

Mecklenburg County District Attorney Race ~ VOTE!

The May 2010 primary will determine the Democratic and Republican nominees for state legislative and countywide offices. One important race in Charlotte is to determine who will replace the 36-year Mecklenburg County District Attorney, Peter Gilchrist.

The Democratic nominee is Michael Barnes and the Republican nominee is Andrew Murray.

Please come to a Town hall meeting sponsored by the the Neighbors for a Safer Charlotte, Crossroads Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University. Join in for a town hall style conversation with Andrew Murray and his opponent, Michael Barnes. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the candidates and ask about the criminal justice system and how they plan on making Charlotte a safer community!

Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location: Johnson C. Smith University Technology Auditorium

Detectives Investigating Homicide in University City Division

UPDATE: CMPD Homicide Detectives have identified the suspect in this case as Clay Martin Collison.

He has been charged with one count of Murder and two counts of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of Heroin. Mr. Collison has been transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office where he will remain in their custody. This was not a random act of violence; the suspect was a known associate of the victim in this case.
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Homicide and A/D/W Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are conducting an investigation into a homicide that took place at 5540 Shopping Center Drive at 6:59 p.m., in the University City Division. The deceased has been identified; his name is being withheld pending family notification.

University City Division officers responded to a call for service shortly before 7:00 p.m. in reference to a shooting and upon arrival found the victim in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. Medic pronounced the victim deceased on scene.

The initial investigation shows that a struggle ensued and during the altercation, one of the victims suffered a fatal gunshot wound when the suspect discharged his weapon. The suspect then fled on foot to an adjacent strip mall where he was apprehended a short time later by responding University City Division officers. A weapon was recovered on scene.

The other victim has been transported to the Law Enforcement Center where he is cooperating with Homicide Detectives.

Detectives with the Homicide, ADW, Gang and Firearms Units are on scene conducting the investigation. Crime Scene Search is on scene as well, photographing the scene and collecting physical evidence.

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

Court Watch Program - Join Today!

What is Court Watch?
Court Watch is a citizen run volunteer program that holds the court system accountable for the decisions it makes regarding case disposition and adjudication. The program does this by citizen monitoring of various aspects of the courts from pre-trial release hearings, trials, and sentencing. It basically gets neighborhoods to participate in the court process, allowing them to understand and perhaps influence how it is operated. While this concept is new to the Charlotte area, it thrives in others such as New Orleans where a well organized Court Watch program is in place.

Imagine this… A known prolific offender who has repeatedly been through the “system” has been arrested again for breaking into a home in your neighborhood. The Court Watch group that you belong to is notified and arranges for someone to go to the hearing where this person’s pre-trial release is being considered. A Community Impact letter is generated and sent by the group to the District Attorney’s Office, requesting consideration when pursuing the charges, which is then added to the case file. A Court Watch member is in the courtroom each time this subject is in court.

Getting started. The University City Division of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is willing to facilitate the creation of such a group in this area. A similar program has been initiated in the Providence Division by members of the community who are tired of being victimized by the same people who keep going through the system, and those who want to make everyone in the criminal justice system accountable, hopefully making their neighborhoods safer places to live. The Providence group was originally a small group of people, with a relatively small focus area. A couple of members stepped up to be the leaders of the group, and they are becoming more and more organized. The group works closely with officers to identify chronic offenders in their community that they are going to follow through the system.

The group has designed a logo to be used with the Police Division logo for shirts they are having made up. The idea is that each Division will have its own color shirt and members will be easily recognizable in court. They are also creating a website with information about their program and notes from their observations and experiences.

Interested? If you are interested in being a part of this new program, please e-mail Officer A. Stukey at astukey@cmpd.org indicating your name, address, and neighborhood. A meeting will be scheduled here at the University City Division team office on University Executive Park Dr. This letter is the seedling for this program; it is now up to residents to cultivate this program. There is likely to be some trial and error, but this program has the potential of being very successful in this area. We sent this out last year with only a few respondents. Please consider participating in this program.

Please check out the following website from the New Orleans program. The focus of this group may not be exactly what is intended for the University City group, but it does provide some useful information. Website: http://courtwatchnola.com