Crime in Charlotte, NC

The Charlotte Observer published an article today about the growing amount of crime in Charlotte over the past two years. I'm not posting the entire article, but it is worth the read.

We all know crime in Charlotte has taken a turn for the worse in the past two years-- but did you know that Charlotte-Mecklenburg's homicide rate is nearly twice the average of large urban areas nationwide, according to FBI crime statistics? It is. Charlotte-Mecklenburg had about 11 slayings per 100,000 population the past two years, while metropolitan areas averaged 6 per 100,000 last year.

Homicide victims in 2006 ranged in age from a 19-month-old toddler to a 70-year-old woman. The African American community was hit especially hard. 71% of this year's homicide victims were black- even though African Americans only make up 29% of Mecklenburg County's population.

Crime nationwide has decreased since the peaks of the late 1980's and early 1990's when crack reigned. That trend held true in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, where violent slayings veered downward even as the population boomed. In 2004, Charlotte celebrated the lowest homicide rate in a decade, with only 60 slayings. However, just one year after the celebrated low, we experienced a dramatic leap with 85 slayings in 2005. We've seen 83 murders thus far in 2006.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : MC CLARY, ANTONIO CORDIA

* 4 Counts: ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL * 3 Counts: KIDNAPPING - FIRST DEGREE
* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE







Name : FOGLE, KENNETH WILLIAM

* STOLEN VEHICLE - POSSESSING
* DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - POSSESSION OF
* BREAKING AND/OR ENTERING (FELONY)- WITH FORCE
* LARCENY AFTER BREAK/ENTER - $200 AND UP
* UNAUTHORIZED USE OF MOTOR VEHICLE





Name : CEASAR, CLINTON RAMON JR

* PROBATION VIOLATION
* ASSAULT DEADLY WEAPON/INTENT KILL/SERIOUS INJURY
* POSSESSION OF FIREARM BY FELON
* REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER - FAIL TO CHANGE ADDRESS

Name : SAMUEL, CYNTHIA MAE

* PROSTITUTION - SOLICITING FOR
* C/S-SCH VI- POSSESS MARIJUANA - MISDEMEANOR
* DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - POSSESSION OF

Police Arrest B&E Suspect

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested 19 year old Cedric Gaston after a police chase early today. Police believe Gaston is involved in more than two dozen car break-ins in Charlotte.

CMPD says Cedric Gaston and four other people were breaking into cars at the Embassy Suites just outside of uptown on South Tryon Street. When officers responded to a call about a suspicious person, they say the thieves jumped into a car and fled.

Police chased the suspects until they crashed their car into a building on Burnette Avenue in West Charlotte. Gaston was arrested but the other three suspects escaped. Officers said they recovered hundreds of dollars in stolen items, including laptops, iPods, video cameras and even a portable projector.

Authorities say Gaston and the others went on a crime spree overnight and hit at least 25 cars in hotel parking lots. As usual, Gaston is a repeat offender in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Today's arrest was his 11th arrest in the past three years.

Gaston is currently being held in the Mecklenburg County jail on a $22,000 bond. If you have any information on the other suspects in this case, please call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Source: WSOC-TV

2006 Crime Statistics

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police held a press conference today to release the preliminary crime statistics for 2006.

As of today, the number of murders in Charlotte is down by 2. In 2005, 85 people were killed in Charlotte. So far, in 2006, 83 people were murdered. Keep in mind, the murder rate in 2005 was at a 10 year high. Police also said that out of the 83 murder victims, at least 50 of the victims had an arrest record.

Police say 25 of the homicides are classified as from an undetermined cause, 22 were the result of an argument, 16 were domestic related, 15 were killed during a robbery and 5 are considered drug related murders. Police say they have identified 66 suspects in the homicide cases and they say 46 of the suspects have a prior criminal record.

Police say the number of rapes have increased by 11% from 2005. Burglaries are up nearly 8% and the number of vehicle thefts are up 3% compared to 2005.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officials say they are seeing a sharp increase in amount of juvenile arrests. “The arrests for juveniles, aged 16 and 17 are up significantly- and for all categories, including violent & property crimes,” said Deputy Chief Ken Miller.

Juvenile arrests for robbery are up 40% from 2005. Juvenile burglary arrests are up 20% and drug arrests up 47% compared to 2005. Here is the real kicker... juvenile arrests for weapons charges are up 98%! Miller said CMPD confiscated 132 weapons from juveniles in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools this year.

More Info: WSOC-TV, WCNC, WBTV

Two Women Steal from Goodwill

CMPD says two women broke into a loaded Goodwill trailer at the Goodwill store located on West WT Harris Boulevard in northwest Charlotte.

Goodwill spokesman Bo Hussey couldn’t say exactly what was stolen, but he said the burglary hurts those the Goodwill Industries is trying to help. "We take the proceeds (from the donated items) and provide job training and employment service," said Hussey. "Losing even one donation is one person we can't provide training for."

Police have not made any arrests, but they do have surveillance video. They hope someone might come forward and help them identify the thieves.

Meanwhile, donations continue to flow into the Goodwill store. Donors said such crime from a charity bothers them. “People are trying to do a good thing and help out the less fortunate, and there are those who aren’t willing to work for themselves and steal from others,” said Deanna Evans, who tries to donate to Goodwill every month. “It’s really sad and disheartening.”

If you have any information about this crime, please call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Source: WSOC-TV

Captured: "AJ" Austin

UPDATE: 1/1/07: AJ Austin was captured. He is currently being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail. He is charged with murder.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are looking for 18 year old James Austin Jr., also known as 'A.J.' Police have issued a murder warrant for Austin as they believe he shot and killed Johnie Teel outside a convenience store on Hoskins Road earlier this month.

"AJ" Austin is described at 5' 8" inches tall and weighs 145 pounds.
If you see Austin, please call 911. If you know of his whereabouts, please call 911 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. You may remain anonymous.

Charlotte Crime Blotter

If you are looking for information about the daily crime activities in Charlotte, NC - Visit the Charlotte Crime Blotter located on the Crime in Charlotte Message Board. All information comes directly from CMPD and it is updated on a daily basis.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : HAMMOND, KENDRICK OMAR
Charlotte's infamous repeat offender
* FEDERAL PRISONER: The U.S. Attorney’s Office is taking over a case involving a drug offense Hammond received in October. He will be prosecuted federally & this means he will most likely get a stiffer sentence for his drug offenses! FINALLY, Kendrick Hammond will get what he deserves... a nice long stay in jail!

Name : MCFARLAN, NATHANIEL L

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER
* CONSPIRACY-ARMED ROBBERY BUSINESS/PERSON
* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE







Name : HOWIE, ANTONIE

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER
* CONSPIRACY-ARMED ROBBERY BUSINESS/PERSON
* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE







Name : GLOVER, DEMARCUSE O

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-BUSINESS/OTHER
* CONSPIRACY-ARMED ROBBERY BUSINESS/PERSON
* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE
* POSSESS HANDGUNS MINORS

Merry Christmas!

WANTED

Update: McClary is in custody.

A warrant is outstanding for the arrest of Ryan Deandre McClary, 36. This warrant is regarding the armed robbery of the Sam's Mart at 6600 Tuckaseegee Rd.

McClary is described as a black male, light complexion, with a beard, 6 feet tall, 190 pounds. Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Ryan Deandre McClary, please call 911.

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : TEEMS, ANNETTE B

* PROSTITUTION - SOLICITING FOR









Name : WILSON, SHELIA ANN
Alias: SEXTON, PENNY

* PROSTITUTION - LOITERING FOR THE PURPOSE OF
* RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER







Name : SCOTT, LINDA MICHELLE

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL









Name : WILSON, LAJUAN RONDRAGUS
* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* STOLEN VEHICLE - POSSESSING
* RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER
* DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - POSSESSION OF
* DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED
* RECKLESS DRIVING--ENDANGERING

Charlotte's 83rd Murder

Shortly after midnight, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers responded to 5000 Coronado Drive in reference to an unresponsive person in the front yard. Independence Division Officers found the victim lying on the walkway and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim is identified as 36 year old Steve Bernard Crawford. The cause of his death is not being released at this time but police say the manner of death is homicide.

CMPD Arrest Bank Robbery Suspects

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police assisted York County, SC police deputies to apprehend four bank robbery suspects this morning.

CMPD did not get involved with the police chase but they did arrest the four suspects, who are all from Charlotte, NC: Kenneth Lovette Young, 50; Angela Renee Laws, 41; Donshavis Enchantace Jones, 22; and Johnell Porter, 56.

The robbery occurred at the Bank of York, located at 4955 Charlotte Highway in Lake Wylie, SC. According to the York County Sheriff's Office, three men entered the bank armed with handguns and took an undisclosed amount of cash.

A York County deputy spotted the vehicle at Carowinds Boulevard and Highway 49 and followed it into North Carolina. The chase ended minutes later at the Arborgate Apartments off Arrowood Road. All three men and a woman were arrested by CMPD. MEDIC treated one of the suspects after a York County Deputy struck him with his patrol car.

The suspected bank robbers are all repeat offenders. According to NC Dept Of Corrections records, 56 year old Johnell Porter was arrested in 1980 for armed robbery and served 15 years in prison. 50 year old Kenneth Young has been in and out of jail since he was a juvenile. He has served time in jail for breaking and entering, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon & receiving stolen goods. In the past three years, CMPD has arrested Young eight times for various offenses including armed robbery. Source: WBTV Photos by: Jonathan Jones

Car Crashes Into House

Around 8:15 this morning, a woman accidentally backed her SUV into a house on Walterboro Rd. The driver of the car mistook the gas pedal for the brake and smashed into the home.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash.


Photos by: Jonathan Jones

Overnight Shootings in Charlotte

Two different overnight shootings in Charlotte sent two people to the hospital with serious injuries.

The first shooting occurred in North Charlotte around 11:45 last night. Police say a person was shot on Fairmont Ave. around 11:45 last night. Details are very limited right now but we know that the person was taken to Carolinas Medical Center with serious injuries. No word on any arrests.

The second shooting occurred in West Charlotte around 1:00 this morning. Police say a man was shot at least 12 times but is expected to survive. Investigators say the victim was walking along South Bruns Avenue when someone opened fire. Between 12 and 18 shots were fired, hitting the man in the lower back and legs.

The victim was conscious when medic arrived on scene. He was rushed to the hospital and into surgery. Officers believe at least two weapons were used in the shooting but they have not released descriptions of the suspects. Sources: WBTV & WSOC-TV

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : AULTON, DARNELL

* 2 Counts- ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON-INDIVIDUAL

Name : IVESTER, MICHAEL

* SEX OFFENSE-1ST DEGREE-VICTIM UNDER 13
* INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH CHILD

Name : RICHARDSON, ARNEAK TORRELL
- 16 years old -

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* CONSP ROBBERY DANGEROUS WEAPON

* KIDNAPPING - SECOND DEGREE

Name : BLACK, DANYELLE
* PROSTITUTION - SOLICITING FOR

* DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - POSSESSION OF
* FAIL TO COMPLY WITH TREATMENT FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

Name : HENDIX, CARL JASON

* C/S-SCH II- TRAFFICKING IN COCAINE
* MAINTAIN DWELL/MV KEEP/SELL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
* C/S-SCH VI- POSSESS MARIJUANA

Name : BLAKELY, RICHARD MONTREY

* PROSTITUTION - SOLICITING FOR

18 Year Old Arrested for Rape

Derrick Raheem Swann, 18 (R) was arrested yesterday by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police on several warrants related to two unsolved violent rapes that occurred in Charlotte. The charges include several counts of first degree rape, first degree sexual assault, first and second degree kidnapping, breaking and entering with force, robbery with a dangerous weapon and assault on a child under 12.

Police say DNA evidence linked Swann to the October 2005 rape of a woman in her home on Rama Road near Monroe Road. Police say Swann sexually assaulted a 68 year old woman in front of her 97 year old mother.

Police say he also broke into a woman’s apartment on Farm Pond Lane earlier this month. He assaulted a woman in front of her 4 year old daughter and infant son.

Swann is no stranger to law enforcement. He may only be 18, but his arrest yesterday was the 8th time he was arrested by CMPD since November of 2005. During one of his trips to jail, police collected his DNA and entered it into the system. MATCH: 2 hits

Swann was out of jail on bond for other charges when police arrested him. They were able to quickly locate him because a judge had ordered him to wear a GPS tracking system after his most recent burglary arrest. He is now being held in the Mecklenburg County jail on a $900,000 bond.

More Info: WBTV, The Charlotte Observer, WSOC, Watch CMPD Press Conference

Jump & Run...

Around 5:15 this evening, a CMPD officer was driving on N Tryon Street when he spotted a car with a fictitious tag. The car was described as a green infinity with 3-4 black males inside the vehicle. The officer turned on his lights and attempted to stop the car. As soon as the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects turned into a Bojangles at 28th and N Tryon Street. All the suspects jumped from the vehicle and ran from police.
One of the suspects jumped a fence and got trapped. The Charlotte Fire Department was called in to cut the lock on the fence gate and free the suspect. It is unknown how many suspects are in custody. Photographer Jonathan Jones was at the scene and shared the shown photos.

Student Brings Gun to School

Yesterday, a middle school student was caught with a loaded gun at Bishop Spaugh Middle School. CMS says the school resource officer got a tip that the student had the weapon and the gun was found. A letter was sent home to parents Tuesday night. - WBTV

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : SANTOS, MARVIN

* INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH CHILD









Name : HULLETT, MICHAEL JOSEPH

* SEX OFFENSE-1ST DEGREE-VICTIM UNDER 13
* INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH CHILD








Name : WHITNEY, RONALD ALEXANDER
- Read article about this arrest -
* ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE - SALE W/O PERMIT
* GAMBLING
* GAMBLING-ALLOWING IN HOUSES OF PUBLIC ENTERTA
* C/S-SCH VI- POSSESS MARIJUANA - MISDEMEANOR
* ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE - POSSESS FOR SALE W/O PER





Name : BENNETT, NORMAN

* PROSTITUTION - LOITERING FOR THE PURPOSE OF
* RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER

Recent Arrests in Charlotte, NC

Name : BLACKMON, ERIC EVERETT

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* CONSPIRACY - FELONY

Name : MORRISON, QUATOYA RENEE

* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON-SERIOUS INJURY - GUN
* CONSPIRACY - FELONY
* ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON--INDIVIDUAL
* VIOLATION OF COURT ORDER





Name : LINDSEY, QURAN

* 2 Counts: FALSE BOMB REPORT PUBLIC BUILDING

Armed Robbery & Shooting

An armed robbery and shooting occurred around 9 pm tonight on Timberbrook Drive.

Police say the shooting victim was in front of his residence when he was approached by two black males- one was armed with a handgun. The robbers demanded money from the victim but the victim refused to give them any.

At that point, the victim was shot in the arm. The robbers took his wallet and fled the scene on foot. The victim ran down a path and banged on his neighbor's door for help.

The shooting victim was transported to the hospital with a non life threatening injury. The suspects are described as young with one wearing a black jacket and camouflage pants the other suspect was wearing grey clothing.

Photographer Jonathan Jones was at the scene and provided the shown photos.

CMPD Arrest Robbery Suspect

The Dominos Pizza on S. Kings Drive was robbed around 7 pm this evening. According to police, a CMPD Detective was in an adjacent restaurant when an employee alerted him to a robbery at the Dominos Pizza.

The Detective responded to the restaurant and found an armed suspect with a shirt wrapped around his head behind the counter. The suspect was brandishing a handgun at the employees and had demanded money from the register. The Detective ordered the suspect to the ground and apprehended him without further incident.

Police have arrested Quinton Darnell McFadden and charged him with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. He is being held on a $5,000 bond.

Woman Wanted for Murder

Pineville, NC police have filed charges in their only murder case this year. Richard Drost, 43, was found shot to death inside his home last month.

Officers have filed a second-degree murder charge against 28-year-old Shonda Lauderdale (L) from Charlotte. Detectives say Drost met Lauderdale through a dating service. She told authorities Drost attacked her and wanted sex. Lauderdale said she pulled a gun during the struggle and shot him. - WSOC-TV

Charlotte, NC Neighborhood Watch

Is your community or neighborhood part of Charlotte's Neighborhood Watch program? If not, you should consider getting one started! A Neighborhood or Apartment Watch is a proven way to prevent crime... The police cannot be everywhere and extra eyes and ears in your community is a great crime deterrent. A neighborhood watch is also a good way to meet your neighbors and organize community events- block parties, clean-ups, yard sales, etc.

Local Crime Watches in Charlotte, NC:
* Willowmere Neighborhood Watch
* Windsor Grove HOA/Community Watch
* McAlpine Tennille Neighborhood Watch
* Country Club Heights Crime Watch
* Cabarrus County Neighborhood Watch
* Windsor Park Community Watch
* Plaza-Midwood Community Watch

Community Watch Info:
-How to Establish a Community Watch
-CharMeck neighborhood Watch Chairperson Handbook
-Sample Form: Community Evaluation
-Sample Form: Report suspicious Activities
-Sample Form: Meeting Agenda
-Sample Form: Safety Questionnaire
-Prevent Crime- Info on Neighborhood Watch

* If I missed your crime watch, please e-mail me with the website info.

Police Arrest Robbery Suspects

Around 11:45 last night, the CMPD SWAT team responded to the Howard Johnson motel on Tuckaseegee Road. Police believe the men who were in one of the rooms were responsible for stealing a vehicle at gunpoint from a person at the English Hill Apartments on Albemarle Road.

The incident started when a CMPD police officer spotted the stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the motel. He went to the suspects' room to question them about the armed robbery. The suspects refused to open the door. Police then called the room and the suspects said they would not come out without a fight.

After a two hour standoff, the suspects finally came out of the room. Police found weapons, drugs, and the keys to a stolen vehicle inside the motel room where the suspects were holed up. The names of the suspects and charges haven't been released yet. Source: WSOC-TV

80th Murder in Charlotte

At 12:58 AM, CMPD officers were dispatched to the 5500 Block of Northstream Drive in reference to someone shot. Officers located the victim, James Emmanuel Henderson, in the Forestbrook Apartment Complex suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound.

Medic transported Henderson to Carolinas Medical Center. He was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. Police have not released any additional details at this time. If you have any information, please call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.