Citing Increase in Crime CMPD Chief Requests More Officers, Support Staff

From http://www.wcnc.com by Rad Berky, May 5, 2016

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney again said he needs more officers on the street following the Thursday release of the crime stats for the first quarter of the year.

Those stats show a continuing trend with violent crimes up again.

Homicides did drop from 17 to 10, down 41% from a year ago.

However, other categories of violent crimes increased, including robberies that were up 21% and aggravated assault, up 17%

During an interview Thursday afternoon with NBC Charlotte’s Rad Berky, Chief Putney said he still wants more officers and support staff on the force.

“Our need is 125 and 80; that has not changed,” said Putney.

But instead of 125 new officers and 80 additional support staff, City Manager Ron Carlee is proposing the city hire less than half of those numbers: 50 new officers and 25 support staff members.

Asked if he could keep the city safe with that kind of reduction in the numbers he was hoping for, Putney said, “I can guarantee you that this is a step in what we need. A first step.”

The Chief put aside any question about his or the department’s relationship with Carlee, who is leaving office later this year.

Putney said they could work well as a team, even though he did not get the number of officers he wants– and he is not giving up.

“Will that help us? Yes. Is it sufficient? No.”

CMPD Asking For Public’s Help in Finding Attempted Murder Suspect

From http://www.wccbcharlotte.com by Ashley Armstrong, May 12, 2016

Police are searching for a man charged with attempted murder last seen in the Charlotte area.

27-year-old Matthew Tolson is wanted for Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill, Possession of Firearm by a Felon, Interfering with an Electronic Monitor, and Damage to Property.

Tolson was court ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device as a condition of his pre-trial release. On April 20th, Tolson cut off his electronic monitor and was last known to be in the 3200 block of Brixton Court in Charlotte.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Tolson should immediately contact the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team at 704-336-VCAT or call 911.