CMPD PIO Perp Walk

No surprise that CMPD is feeling the "heat" since homicides in the Queen City are up during the 1st quarter.

But not lost on most of Charlotte is the fact that property crimes that affect many of us residents are also up.

Apparently someone within CMPD thought it a good idea to call attention to areas were CMPD has had success.

This week CMPD's public information officer has proudly announced a couple of notable arrests:

On January 29, 2024, a CMPD detective in the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) was proactively monitoring cameras at Brookshire Boulevard and Hoskins Road.

The detective observed a distinctive looking Jeep that strongly resembled a vehicle that was used in an auto theft the day prior in the Metro Division on Freedom Drive.

James Antonio Johnson Photo MCSO

The detective notified Metro and Freedom Division officers who responded and located the vehicle. The driver was detained and identified as 18-year-old James Antonio Johnson. He had active warrants for auto theft and was placed under arrest. Johnson is a prolific auto theft suspect with multiple prior felony arrests. During the vehicle search, officers also located a gun with an obliterated serial number.

Our patrol officers, RTCC, Telecommunications, Aviation, K-9 and other specialty units all do a phenomenal job working in tandem to quickly arrest dangerous and repeat offenders.

And

Great work by CMPD’s Westover Division arresting a repeat commercial breaking and entering suspect. Antonito Smith, 19, is facing approximately 60 charges. 

Antonito Smith Photo MCSO

On March 27, officers responded to a commercial breaking and entering call at a retail store on Park Road. A suspect, later identified as Smith, was caught on camera breaking in and attempting to pry open an ATM open inside the store. Officers quickly responded to the area and after a brief foot chase, arrested Smith. Detectives were able to close 23 active cases with his arrest. 

From Smith's Arrest Sheet:

The suspect is being charged with 33 counts of breaking and entering, 22 counts of larceny after breaking and entering, 3 counts of break into a coin/currency machine, 1 count of resist,  delay and obstruct, and possession of burglary tools  night (3/27/24) was wearing the same clothing when he broke into, the Walgreens and all the same clothing was found on his person or in his path of flight. 

The suspect was transported to the Westover Division Office where he waived his adult  Miranda rights and agreed to speak with a detective. 

The suspect stated that he is homeless and admitted that he broke into the Walgreens to-try and get cash. The suspect was asked about all other cases that detectives were investigating where commercial businesses were broken into. 

He was told that there was video surveillance showing the suspect wearing the same clothing that he had on for all of the other cases. The suspect stated that he already told detectives that he is homeless, and times are tough, and he needed money. The suspect went on to say that he was caught, and he is wearing the.clothes that he always has on.

In the month of March alone, the Westover Division has made 19 arrests, including nine breaking and entering arrests and four larceny from auto arrests. 

We want to recognize the overall amazing work of officers and detectives in the Westover Division and their dedication to keeping their communities safe.

But not everyone is happy with CMPD's efforts:

Justin LaFrancois who identifies himself as "Alt-weekly publisher" awarded "Best liberal garbage pile masquerading as a media outlet" complained to CMPD via "X": 

"The only mugshots you’ve posted this year are of Black men. You’re upholding the narrative and basis upon which the department was formed—that Black people must be policed, detained and humiliated in the public square. You arrest white people for crimes daily, let’s see those."

So we took a look at the 77 arrests on Wednesday and only 8 of those who were arrested by CMPD are listed as Caucasian, 3 women two with DUI and one shop lifting, the 5 men a mixture of protective order violations DUI and one B&E two counts. Not much to get excited about. 

Antonito Smith remains in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff. James Johnson was released on April 5, 2024.