SCP Responds to Reports of Loud, Suspicious Vehicle on March 30, 2014

Stonehaven Community Patrol Officer Brian Lutes responded to several reports of a loud, suspicious vehicle  just after 10 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2014.

The reports said the vehicle was a dark colored older model Chevrolet Corvette with very loud exhaust and that the car was being driven up and down Redcoat and Lynbrook Drives.

The described Corvette was located at a residence on Crown Court off of Lynbrook Drive where contact was made with the vehicle’s owner.

The vehicle’s owner reported that he recently had repairs done to the vehicle, which is titled as a “show vehicle” and as such does not have a muffler system, only “exhaust headers”, and he took it out for a test drive, but didn’t intend to disturb anyone. He said he had parked the car for the night.

No further reports about the vehicle were received.

 

Victim Named in March 30, 2014 Fatal Charlotte Shooting, 2 Suspects in Custody

From http://www.wcnc.com, March 30, 2014

A man was shot and killed outside of his Charlotte home Sunday morning.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said Ronald Glenn Gullette, 44, was found dead outside his home on Hemby Woods Drive, he’d been shot. Officials received the call shortly after 9 a.m.

Neighbors reported hearing several gunshots prior to police arriving on scene and finding Gullette lying in his driveway. Chief Rodney Monroe told a group of reporters “This is disturbing and sad.’

Officials said a string of robberies happened early Sunday morning within a 10 mile radius of where Gullette was found dead. Investigators are now trying to determine if the robberies are connected to the fatal shooting.

At least two people are in custody in connection to the robberies.

Police have blocked part of Hemby Woods Drive and Rain Creek Way while the investigate the crime scene.

4 Injured in March 30, 2014 Shooting at North Charlotte Cook-Out Restaurant

From http://www.wcnc.com, March 30, 2014

Police are investigating an early Sunday morning shooting at a Cook-Out in Northwest Charlotte.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say a group of young adults got into a fight in the parking lot when shots were fired.

One person was transported by Medic to the hospital with non –life threatening injuries and three others were taken separately. Police say all four are expected to be alright.

Police said one car trying to flee the scene crashed into a telephone pole. Police have not said if they have a suspect in custody.

CMPD Seeking Public’s Help in Identifying Suspect in March 28, 2014 Bank Robbery

From http://www.wcnc.com, March 28, 2014

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a bank robbery suspect.

It happened Friday afternoon, March 28, 2014, in the 1800 block of Oakdale Road.

Police say the suspect handed the teller a note demanding money. He fled on foot after getting the money.

The suspect was last seen in a black and red Atlanta Falcons hat, a red jacket and red pants.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Up to $5K Offered for Tips in November 2013 Charlotte Murder Case

From http://www.wcnc.com, March 28, 2014

Thousands of dollars are being offered to anyone who can help with an unsolved Charlotte murder case.

Police want the public’s help to identify people caught on surveillance tape.

Jeremy Alexander Brown, 28, was shot and killed on November 13, 2013. Police say he met three people about 40 minutes before officers found Brown in a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound.

A camera located in the BP gas station parking lot on E. WT Harris Boulevard snapped pictures of the people the police department is searching for. The gas station is close to where officers found Brown.

Anyone with information should call 704-432-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.

10 Things to Know About Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon’s Arrest

From http://www.wcnc.com, March 27, 2014

Sources tell NBC Charlotte Cannon was very upset and absolutely surprised when he was arrested Thursday. Here’s a detailed look at how the Patrick Cannon investigation played out.

1. How it started — In 2010 FBI launches investigation against Patrick Cannon.

2. What happened – Multi-year investigation, Cannon receives $48K in cash, gifts.

3. Wife, Cannon fly to Vegas  —  Undercover agent flew Cannon and his wife to Las Vegas on July 1st to impress investors. Agent paid for hotel rooms and gave Cannon $1,000 in cash.

4. Briefcase full of cash to mayor’s office — During a meeting, the affidavit says, Cannon got a leather Fossil briefcase containing $20,000 in cash.

5. Cannon switched vote against streetcar — After being against streetcar, Cannon switches vote.

6. SouthPark apartment –  In 2012, the FBI leased an apartment in SouthPark. The apartment gave undercover agents credibility and a place to secretly record the mayor. Several times over the next year, Cannon asked agents for an apartment key.

7. The arrest – On Wednesday, Cannon was arrested after he met with an undercover agent at the SouthPark apartment rented by the FBI.

8.  Governor Pat McCrory’s take – The NC governor speaks on the charges against Cannon.

9.  City Council to appoint new mayor — City Council handles task for appointing new mayor.

10.  What’s next?  Indictment? Sentence? — How the case and sentence can play out for Cannon.

Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon Arrested for Public Corruption, Theft

From http://www.wcnc.com, March 27, 2014

FBI agents arrested Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon Wednesday morning on public corruption charges.

Mayor Cannon appeared in federal court briefly this afternoon, 114 days after taking office.

Cannon, 47, faces several charges including theft and bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud and extortion under color of official right.

The arrest follows an undercover investigation that began in August 2010. Authorities allege Cannon solicited and accepted cash from undercover FBI agents posing as real estate developers and investors who wanted to do business in Charlotte.

Cannon, a Charlotte native, allegedly accepted bribes in exchange for the privileges of his position as an elected official, whether it be as mayor, mayor pro tem or a city council member.

The FBI says he accepted money from agents on five separate occasions. The last was on Feb. 21, 2014. He is accused of accepting $20,000 in cash at the mayor’s office. The exchanges began in January 2013, according to the Department of Justice.

In total, Mayor Cannon accepted about $48,000 in cash, airline tickets, a hotel room and use of a luxury apartment, the FBI says. Some of the money, documents say, included cash to fund a business Cannon said he wanted to fund called HERS, a feminine hygiene product to be sold in the United States.

The indictment against Cannon alleges he characterized any rewards as business investments that were unrelated to his public office.

NBC Charlotte reporter Rad Berky was the only one outside of the courthouse when Mayor Cannon walked out from the building. The mayor didn’t have much to say when asked about the charges.

“What happened? Can you tell us what happened?” — RB
“Well, nothing at this point that I can discuss. But I’ll certainly be back in contact with you.” — PC
“What would you tell the voters of the city today, sir?” — RB
“There’s nothing too much I can say at this point, but when I’m able to, I’ll touch base.” — PC

Michael Barnes is the current mayor pro tem, but since Cannon still technically holds the office. Cannon is free on a $25,000 unsecured bond.

He faces a maximum sentence of:
•    10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for theft and bribery
•    20 years and $1,000,000 fine for honest services wire fraud
•    20 years and $250,000 fine for extortion

In one exchange with investigators, Cannon concluded the conversation but alluding to a possible arrested.

“I look good to in an orange necktie, but not in an orange suit,” the affidavit quotes Cannon as saying.

The FBI says Cannon was given multiple chances to return the money he accepted.

Cannon is also CEO of EZ-Parking in Charlotte. Law enforcement agents searched the mayor’s house and obtained a warrant to search the business after Wednesday’s hearing.

After Wednesday’s developments, the NCGOP called for Cannon’s resignation. Governor McCrory issued a statement:

“I am both saddened and angered because I have known Patrick and his family for over 30 years, but more than anything, my heart is broken for the City of Charlotte,” said Governor McCrory. “This is not the city that I know, served and love. This alleged behavior is inexcusable and cannot be tolerated.”

From County Manager Dena R. Diorio:

We are aware of the allegations against and arrest of Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon.

We are reviewing the documents and criminal complaint, and know there are references by Cannon regarding Mecklenburg County’s Code Enforcement process.

We are not aware of any connection to the County, but will cooperate fully with any investigation.

 

 

3 Teens Accused in March 21, 2014 Armed Robbery of Charlotte Convenience Store

From http://www.wcnc.com, March 25, 2014

A juvenile is among three teenagers allegedly involved in robbing a Charlotte business at gunpoint.

Police responded to the robbery call at Sam’s Mart in the 6300 block of Albemarle Road on Monday night, March 21, 2014.

The clerk told officers two suspects pointed a gun and demanded money. They fled the scene after taking the cash, police say.

Patrol officers noticed one of the suspects nearby and chased him on foot. Antonio Worthy, 17, was taken into custody without incident.

The other suspect, 17-year-old Maceo Royster, and a 15-year-old male were taken into custody at a nearby house.

Royster, Worthy

Worthy and the 15-year-old juvenile are charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. All three suspects are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

Worthy and Royster are in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s office. Police booked the other teenager into a juvenile detention facility.

CMPD Officers, NC State Troopers Capture Man Who Cut-Off Monitoring Device on March 25, 2014

From http://www.wcnc.com, March 25, 2014

A man accused of removing his electronic monitoring device led a police chase through the Charlotte area Tuesday morning.

It happened around 11 a.m. Tuesday.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Carlton Ardrey, was originally ordered to wear a monitor in October but police say he removed it earlier this month.

Police learned Ardrey was at a home on Julia Avenue on Tuesday. Officers from multiple divisions were called in for assistance. During their investigation, Ardrey allegedly fled the home in a blue pickup truck.
North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers pursued Ardrey as he drove down Rozzels Ferry Road.

The chase ended when Ardrey slowed down near an apartment complex near Alma Court. Troopers say he jumped from his truck and ran on foot. Officers then caught and arrested him.

He is now charged for his alleged involvement in the pursuit and outstanding warrants.

Ardrey has a lengthy criminal history, including a shooting in Northlake Mall’s parking lot.

View all of Ardrey’s mugshots from years past.

Tips Lead to Arrest of Man in Broad Daylight Robbery of Monroe Rd. Children’s Clothing Store on March 22, 2014

From The Charlotte Observer by Steve lyttle, March 26, 2014

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say two alert people – a neighbor and an off-duty officer – were key to making an arrest in connection with an armed robbery of a children’s clothing store Saturday, March 22, 2014.

Investigators said Jerell Parish Banks, 20, was taken into custody this week. He is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.

The charges stem from the robbery around noon Saturday at the Kids Co. Variety store in the 3000 block of Monroe Road.

A store clerk said a man entered the business, pulled a gun from his waistband, and demanded money.

But the man was being watched, police said. A neighbor reported seeing the man get into a car and leave the area, and a description of the vehicle was broadcast to CMPD officers. Earlier, an off-duty police officer had seen the unoccupied car idling behind the business. The officer copied down the license tag number of the vehicle.

In addition, police said they got surveillance video footage of the car in the area of the robbery. All that information, investigators said, led them to Banks.

Anyone with additional information in the case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/03/26/4795291/tips-lead-police-to-charlotte.html#storylink=cpy