Ilijah Mack This Is How We Roll

"In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the police, who investigate crime; and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders".

It is that last group, the district attorneys who are the weakest link in the thin blue line that protects the civil population from the violent criminals.

Ilijah Mack, 22 was arrested again Tuesday night on weapons and drug charges. 

Convicted last year for "shootin up" a Dodge Charger on North Sharon Amity, with five occupants that should have earned him 5 years prison. But those charges and a domestic violence case were pled down to probation. 

Ilijah Mack Photo Courtesy MCSO

Cedar's Take: In Mecklenburg County you can fire a rifle into a car loaded with people three times and get nothing more than probation. 

Maybe we should keep him locked up this time?

As CP has said the african American community has become a culture of violence embracing gunplay and criminality. To these people this is normal. 

CMPD says it has created a new "Initiative" called "SWITCH" (Safety Wellness Initiative Towards Community Households) to allocate more resources and investigators to address shooting into occupied dwellings (SIOD). Switch as in Glock Switch?

But the narrative is tragically flawed. CMPD has called SIOD a "Growing Problem" as if it equates to littering or not picking up after your dog. 

It is not a "problem" it is a violent criminal act that should always be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Absolutly no one should receive a plea deal!

I'm not faulting CMPD they are at least trying but these thugs know nothing will be done to them.

From the most recent charging document:

On or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did possess, have in the defendant's custody, have in the 
defendant's control a black in color Draco Rifle, which is a firearm .  

The defendant has previously been convicted of the felony of Discharging Firearm into an enclosed structure to incite fear. (NCGS 14-34.10) which was punishable 25 months and a Class F Felony.

This felony was committed on March 1, 2024 and the defendant was convicted of the felony on June 14, 2024 in Mecklenburg County Superior Court in North Carolina and was sentenced to an intermediate sentence of 13-25 months of confinement and 24 months of supervised probation. That sentence was suspended.

On or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did intentionally carry concealed about the defendant's 
person while off the defendant's own premises a gun, a black in color Draco Rifle.

The defendant was previously convicted of carrying a concealed gun in violation of G.S. 
14-269(a1) on February 14, 2024 in Cabarrus county Superior Court.

On or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant unlawfully and willfully did possess one-half ounce of marijuana or less, a controlled substance which is included in Schedule VI of the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act.

On or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant unlawfully and willfully did resist, delay, and obstruct officer A.H., a public officer 
holding the office of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, by refusing to provide his name.  

At the time, the officer was discharging and attempting to discharge an official duty by placing the defendant under arrest.

During the June 14, 2024 trial Mecklenburg Superior Court Judge William Bell agreed to a plea deal offered by the Mecklenburg DA and in doing so dismissed 3 counts of discharging a firearm into occupied property, assault on a female from a separate incident as well as damage to property. 

Obviously Judge Bell and the Mecklenburg DA are pretty bad judges of character. 

Beyond the most recent charges Mack has additional weapons and drug charges pending  in Cabarrus County as well as felony probation violations.

He is currently being held without bond. His next hearing date is March 18, 2025.

Charlotte Democrats Want To Increase Your Sales Tax

This from Tony Mecia with the Charlotte Ledger who is really looped in regarding all things political in Charlotte.

Bill introduced in Raleigh to advance Charlotte's transit plan

Would allow referendum on hiking Mecklenburg's sales tax to pay for transit and roads

Three N.C. senators filed the bill Monday morning; its outlook is uncertain, but more clarity could come this afternoon.

by Tony Mecia

Three N.C. senators have filed a bill in the General Assembly that would authorize Mecklenburg County to hold a referendum to raise the county’s sales tax, a key step in advancing Charlotte’s plan to expand transit.

Senate Bill 145, introduced Monday morning by Republican Senators Bill Rabon, David Craven and Vickie Sawyer, would allow Mecklenburg commissioners to place a referendum on the ballot asking voters to raise sales taxes by 1 percentage point, to 8.25%.

The money would be used to help pay for a $25 billion transportation plan that would cover building new rail lines, adding bus routes and expanding roads and sidewalks. Leaders of the city, county and Mecklenburg’s towns largely settled on the plan last summer, with the exception of the town of Matthews, which opposes it. That’s because Matthews would likely not have a rail line to uptown as originally envisioned.

The fate of the bill is uncertain. Sawyer, who represents Iredell County and the northern portion of Mecklenburg, said this month that the bill is “a long way from being palatable to have enough votes to even get to the floor.”

Legislative leaders are scheduled to be in Charlotte today to talk with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and they are expected to discuss the fate of the bill.

Cedar's Take:

As I've pointed out before the increase is being sold by Charlotte City Council as being only a penny, just a one cent on the dollar increase to help pay for much needed light rail buses and transit improvements. 

Councilmembers like Ed Driggs what you to approve this 1% increase. But it's not a 1% increase it is a 13.79% increase in the amount of sales tax you pay everytime you go out for dinner or stop by Target for cleaning supplies. 

The average North Carolina family of four spends about $4,524 a year in sales tax if this bill is passed and approved by Charlotte voters that same family will lose another $624.00 per year to pay for light rail most will never ride.

Taxation is theft plain and simple.

MCSO McFadden Making Excuses Again

According to Joe Bruno Sheriff Garry McFadden has released another statement in response to the arrest of illegal migrant Jose Napoleon-Serrano. 

Jose Napoleon-Serrano Photo Courtesy MCSO 

Napoleon-Serrano was arrested by CMPD on January 12th and released 5 days later despite an active ICE Detainer request.

According to MCSO records Napoleon-Serrano was "Committed" on 1/12/2025 at 8:59 AM  and then "Released" on 1/17/2025 at 12:42 PM.

From Joe Bruno:

Sheriff McFadden is calling on ICE to notify him during the 48 hour detainer on whether they plan to pick up the suspect.

As I have been reporting, ICE is asking Sheriff McFadden to notify the agency before the suspect is released. That isn't happening. 

Statement:

MCSO Clarifies Process of Querying ICE, Sheriff McFadden Continues to Request Collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Charlotte, N.C. – The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency and lawful procedures regarding the handling of individuals in custody, including those with immigration concerns. Recent discussions and media inquiries surrounding the case of Honduras national Napoleon Serrano highlight the need for clarity in how information is shared between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

When a person is arrested, staff at Arrest Processing Center ask every and any person several questions with three of them dealing with citizenship. As it pertains to an undocumented person, that information is entered into a database on DCI/NCIC through a PIN message to ICE. Essentially, MCSO uses this system to query ICE when we cannot determine citizenship. It includes dates, time stamps and other pertinent details. ICE is then notified through Immigration Alien Queries (IAQs). This process has remained the same through previous administrations and sheriffs, despite the removal of the 287g program.

However, this system does not provide MCSO with details about a person’s past arrests, encounters, or level of danger. Only ICE has that information. That said, when ICE saw Napoleon Serrano’s name, they should have immediately recognized that they had encountered him twice before and previously deported him twice. MCSO is unaware of any state or federal charges attached to Serrano’s past two deportations.

As MCSO has stood clear in its processes, the agency expects the same level of transparency in return. Once a detainer is issued, ICE should clearly understand that they have 48 hours to make the pickup. During that time, MCSO is asking ICE to inform our agency of their intentions, whether they plan to pick up a person or allow the person to remain on state charges.

“Communication with ICE stops once they issue a detainer. Collaboration is a two-way street. Transparency is a two-way street, Sheriff McFadden said. “I am still waiting for productive discussions with local ICE officials on the process we follow in regard to undocumented persons and how our agency can work more effectively with ICE.”

CP's Take:

Jose Napoleon-Serrano's case is not unusual for Mecklenburg County. But he's a violent person who should be deported ASAP.  Yet for some reason Charlotte's sanctuary city status and Garry McFadden's pro immigrant stance put this violent criminal Jose Napoleon-Serrano who is a threat to all citizens back on the streets.

Turns out the Napoleon-Serrano was involved in a fight last summer and a warrant was issued for his arrest where he allegedly hit a man with a bottle and knocked out a few teeth. 

But that warrant wasn't served until his arrest on domestic violence charges back in January of this year.

In the first case according to CMPD:

The victim Victor Gonzalez (Victor) stated he was "hanging out" at the car wash

"The unknown friends at the car wash" were fighting over something and then "were calmed down but started saying they had guns". The Unknown male suspect and later identified as Jose Napoleon-Serrano (Jose) didn't calm down. Victor stated Jose was very angry and wanted to continue fighting with everyone. 

The Victim was assaulted with glass bottle at the 5723 Reddman Rd car wash. The suspect was said to have thrown glass bottle at the victim's face.

The bottle hit Victor in the face cutting his lip and knocking multiple teeth out of Victor's mouth. The glass bottle thrown at Victor also hit his left cheek bone/ upper jaw. The medical staff stated the bone was broken from the bottle. Victor stated when he was hit with the bottle he immediately bent nt that point over and noticed all the blood coming out of his face Jose ran off into the woods and then to the nearby apartments The friends of Jose told Victor, Jose had ran away and that they had done nothing wrong and did not want to be involved.

A picture of the suspect was sent out to Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and was later identified by Officer J; Habenicht of Metro Division as Jose Napoleon-Serrano. Officer Habenicht stated he identified the suspect by arrest records and cross referenced with CJLEADS.

For whatever reason MCSO did not serve the warrant on the suspect until this year.

In the second case again via CMPD:

Upon Arrival to Mockernut Drive, officers talkéd to Oneida Hernandez Cruz 01/23/1967 who stated Jose Napoleon-Serrano.05/22/1984 came home drunk and began arguing with her because shé'did not want-to bé intimated She gets out of the bed, goes to another room and he begins to kick the door. When he stops, she opens the door and goes downstairs to the Livingroom - and he stands on the stairs and-throws and empty bottle of beer hitting the back of her shoulders causing bruise bottles'at'hér-and only stopped when she called He Theng 'comes to the living room and throw more cans at her causing bruising on her back shoulder and bottom of her right eye.

But here's where things take an odd turn. 

With the suspect in custody he is formally charged in both cases. Five days in jail and despite the ICE Detainer he's released.

Then the first case 24CR363210 is dismissed by Judge Roy Wiggins on January 30th. Then a Prosecutor's Verification of Basis for Expunction of DNA is created.

The question is why? 

And why is the chief judge hearing these low level cases?

One Particular Harbour - Anguilla

It's just a little too much like winter around Charlotte today.

So how about a little break? 

After all it's five o'clock somewhere.

Wait for it....

BASE Jumper Rescued and Handed Over To CMPD

Well this is different. Early this morning just after midnight Charlotte Fire received a call that they had to say WTF (well that's funny) Seems a BASE (buildings, antennas (referring to radio masts), spans (bridges) and earth (cliffs)) Jumper got a quick education in the meaning of FA-FO.

Diego Jose Adame was arrested by CMPD and charged with First Degree Trespassing. The 31 year old Mint Hill resident lists iFly skydiving center in Concord as his employer.

According to CMPD: 

On February 18th, 2025, officers were dispatched to 525 S. Church St. in reference to an

individual who was parachuting and got stuck on the side of the building. Officer arrived on scene and observed the suspect, Diego Adame (Adamae) hanging from the

side of the Museum Towers wrapped in parachute. Adame did not have authorization to be on the side of the building. At the time of the incident, the Museum Towers was locked and

secured on the ground floor and on the roof where Adame was eventually rescued.

Adame was removed from the roof by the fire department and taken into custody.

Photo Courtesy MCSO

Diego was found with his parachute entangled aside an Uptown Office Tower late last night. Apparently he jumped from Museum Tower 525 South Church Street. The 42-story apartment building in Uptown Charlotte is 447 feet tall. The building has multiple cornice that protrude and could easily snag a parachute.

He was released Tuesday morning on a written promise to appear.

From Charlotte Fire:

CHARLOTTE FIREFIGHTERS EXECUTE HIGH-ANGLE RESCUE OF PARACHUTIST STRANDED 100 FEET IN THE AIR

Charlotte Firefighters executed a high-risk rescue early this morning after a parachutist became entangled on the side of a high-rise building in Uptown Charlotte. At 1:03 AM, Charlotte Fire was dispatched to the 500 block of S. Church Street for reports of a person stuck on the exterior of a building. Firefighters arrived within minutes and began searching for the individual, but initial reports had misidentified the exact location. Once located, crews discovered the parachutist suspended approximately 100 feet in the air, hanging from a tangled parachute against the building’s façade. Firefighters quickly established a high-angle rope system to access and secure the individual. At 1:28 AM, a firefighter descended to the stranded subject, ensuring their safety before carefully maneuvering them into the rescue system. By 1:43 AM, the parachutist was safely brought onto the rooftop, uninjured. After being evaluated by MEDIC, the individual was turned over to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police for further investigation. The subject did not disclose where they had jumped from or how they arrived at their precarious position. Charlotte Fire units on scene included Rescue 11, Engine 11, Engine 4, Ladder 4, Safety 1, and Battalion 1. Their swift response and technical expertise ensured a safe outcome. “Our firefighters train for these challenging rescues, and their professionalism was on full display last night,” said Charlotte Fire Chief

@RegE_TJohnson

. “This situation could have ended much differently, but thanks to their skill and teamwork, the individual was safely brought to safety.” Charlotte Fire reminds the public that high-risk activities such as unauthorized parachuting or BASE jumping in urban environments pose extreme dangers and can require complex emergency response operations.

Cedar's Take:

I don't think highly of BASE Jumpers who conduct unauthorized jumps from private property. They rate right up with bicyclists who insist of riding high traffic narrow roads during twilight or after dark.  

Adame should have his bail set in the amount of the costs for his rescue. 

Joe Bruno's Report on Garry McFadden and Ice

WSOC's Joe Bruno has been working endlessly to report on the workings of ICE and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. His post:

The dispute between ICE and Sheriff Garry McFadden continues.

Sheriff Garry McFadden has released a statement in response to ICE's arrest of Jose Napoleon-Serrano, which I covered last week.

As I noted in my report, ICE issued a detainer but was not notified by Sheriff McFadden about his release. Sheriff McFadden reiterated to me, as he has in the past, that he is following HB10 as written and that the phone call notification is not required. Screenshots of of the detainer in question and the law are below.

Here is the Sheriff's full statement and a link to my previous story (opens in a new tab/window).

Mecklenburg County Sheriff

“I want to address recent reports regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests that are incorrect and misleading. To our local media, I urge you to report fairly and accurately. I am not bending the rules or preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from doing their job—I am simply following the law. Specifically, I adhere to NCGS 162.62, as revised in House Bill 10, yet the media continues to misrepresent my role as Sheriff to the public.

In the case of Jose Napoleon-Serrano, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office followed the law by holding him for 48 hours, per a court order.

Here is a breakdown of the events:

January 12th at 5:35 AM - Mr. Serrano was arrested by CMPD. Our deputies determined he was a Honduras national during the intake process.

January 12th at 6:09 AM (35 minutes later) – MCSO notified ICE with no response the entire day.

January 13th at 11:18 AM (more than 24 hours later) - MCSO received the ICE Detainer-Administrative Warrant. A 48-hour hold was signed and issued by a state magistrate.

January 15th at 11:18 AM (exactly 48 hours later) – The court order on Mr. Serrano was lifted but he remained in custody at the MCSO Detention Center on his initial state charges with a $5,000 secured bond.

January 17th at 12:14 PM (more than 48 hours later) - Mr. Serrano’s $5,000 bond was posted for his release. A Mecklenburg County magistrate then issued a signed court order for his release from custody.

In total, Mr. Serrano was held 5 days with NO ICE movement.

As laid out above, MCSO received zero correspondence from ICE after they sent the detainer on January 13th. ICE was aware of Mr. Serrano’s status between January 12th -17th as they are privy to our various tracking systems. 

ICE is more than welcome to pick up the phone – we will always remain transparent about a person’s release, but nowhere in House Bill 10 does it mandate local sheriffs to notify ICE of an individual’s release. 

ICE is also aware that Mr. Serrano had been deported twice before. If they believed he posed a threat to public safety, I question why ICE didn’t charge Mr. Serrano with federal offenses under 8 USC 1325 (Improper Entry by Alien) and 8 USC 1326 (Re-entry of Deported Alien), instead of putting the burden on local sheriffs. 

This is why I continue to emphasize the importance of open discussions with ICE—because simply deporting individuals is not an effective solution and does not make our communities safer.

So again, I have followed the law. I have my responsibilities as Sheriff of Mecklenburg County, and ICE has theirs. However, ICE cannot expect me to operate outside the scope of the law as my predecessors have done. I am not an ICE officer. 

I am the Sheriff, and my priority is serving and protecting my community while always upholding the law.”

Malik Shropshire Case for Permanent Incarceration

According to local television media:

A man is facing charges after police say he spit in a little boy’s face at SouthPark Mall. Malik Shropshire is charged with assault on a child under 12 and second-degree trespassing.

According to arrest warrants, it happened Sunday afternoon in the children’s play area. Police say he spit in the four-year-old’s face and then ran off. Police arrested him at a nearby Walgreens.

According to investigators, he was already banned from the mall and the Walgreens where he was arrested.

But this is not Shropshire's first rodeo:

Shropshire has 23 of arrests over the last three years in Mecklenburg county alone. 

The 52 year old has 18 convictions covering the entire spectrum of crimes from B&E, Kidnapping, drugs and weapons charges, to credit card theft and armed robbery dating back to 1989.

Countless dismissals in Mecklenburg County thanks to DA Merriweather. Endless failure to appear cases. Motor vehicle citations for no driver's license no insurance and theft from an ABC Store.  

He has served more than six years in prison and should now be considered incorrigible and should imediabaty be permentably incarcerated or commited.

He is a danger to society and himself and the courts have a duty to protect the public. A life sentence as a Habitual Felon or Involuntary Commitment.

If not it is only a matter of time before he kills someone or is killed.

Shropshire remains in the Mecklenburg County jail under a $2,500.00 bond. 

FAFO CMPD Style

Photo @TinaQuizon via "X" Give Her a Follow

Early this morning Tuesday February 12, 2025, CMPD Officers attempted to conduct a Felony Traffic Stop in the QuikTrip located at 7115 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273. The subject exited the vehicle with a weapon and was engaged by Officers.

CMPD Presser Video By @TinaQuizon (Opens in New Window)

According to CMPD:

At approximately 2 a.m. in the 7000 block of South Blvd., Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle after multiple traffic stop attempts.

Preliminary information indicates that the vehicle pulled over, and the subject exited the vehicle. Officers perceived an imminent deadly threat and engaged with the subject.

At least one officer discharged a service weapon. The subject was struck, and officers rendered aid on scene. The subject was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The subject’s firearm was recovered on scene.

Suspects Vehicle Photo Local News

No officers were struck with gunfire or injured to our knowledge. Multiple officers were transported to a nearby hospital for precautionary measures.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is the lead investigating agency in the case. The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation per standard protocol.

As is standard procedure with any officer involved shooting, the Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct a separate but parallel investigation.

Representatives from CMPD's Operations Command, Homicide Unit, MEDIC, Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office also responded.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing.

Cedar's Take:

I grew up in Starmount and Archdale Drive area of Charlotte. Today I don't recognize the area when I drive down South Blvd from SouthEnd. Boarded up windows, trash and litter everywhere. Homeless camps, panhandlers, and vagrants pushing stolen shopping carts.

At more than half of the business between Archdale and 485 Spanish is the preferred language. Commercial rents and property values have plummeted since 2020. 

Wendy's and Golden Corral are closed, graffiti covered and boarded up. Other business are dying a slow unnoticed death. 

The Fricken Ford directional sign on the property has a bullet hole in it.

This is Vi Lyles legacy. 

Freedom Drive Homicide Usual Suspect Usual Victim

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit began conducting a homicide investigation in the 3400 block of Freedom Drive in the Metro Division Saturday evening.

According to police, on Saturday, February 8, shortly before 6:00 p.m., officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon with injury call for service in the 3400 block of Freedom Drive. 

The male victim left the scene in a private vehicle before officers arrived. He was brought to Atrium Health Mercy with a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the hospital.

Des'mon Ra'shad Thompson, 34 Photo Courtesy MCSO

CP has determined that victim was Des'mon Ra'shad Thompson, 34 of Statesville, North Carolina.

According to court records Charlotte Mecklenburg Police have charged Gregory Deddeh Dowana, 29 with the murder of Thompson on Saturday February 8, 2025.

Note CMPD has not released these details at this time.

Gregory Deddeh Dowana, 29 Photo Courtesy MCSO

Dowana has a laundry list of additional cases for violent offenses that have recently been dismissed. He also has a pending protective order violation and an arrest for communication of threats. 

A review of his arrest record shows countless serious traffic offenses. Each case more serious that the prior case.  

I'll say it again - incarceration saves lives.

According to local television news CMPD Major JD Thomas shared initial details during a late night news briefing. Thomas said officers were called to the shootout scene just before 6 p.m. They arrived and learned a man who had been wounded was taken to a hospital, but died there.

Thomas said the shootout began as a verbal argument between two men about an ongoing domestic violence case involving a woman. The argument then escalated to pepper spray being used before the men took aim at each other.

Thomas said the suspect remained on the scene and is cooperating with police. 

Thomas said domestic violence cases can turn deadly when arguments persist after the end of a relationship.

"When a relationship is over, it's over," he said.

Cedar's Take:

The issue of violence within the African American Community is complex and troubling. Generations of violent homes and upbringing have created a society of violence.

The African American Community is a culture of violence embracing criminality and gun play as a way of life.

Yes not all people who are African American are violent, I personally have enjoyed a lifetime of friendships with family friends and acquaintances who do not fit this stereotype. Sadly they are indeed the exception rather than the rule. 

This is the sort of violence that took the life of Mr. Thompson and so many others,and it could be avoided by isolation of those who show a propensity towards violence for whatever reason. Incarceration saves lives.

Brianye "Bri" Copeland Murder

CMPD Detectives have charged Kristopher Anthony Sinclair of Mableton, Georgia in the Friday February 7th murder of Brianye "Bri" Danielle Copeland.

Kristopher Anthony Sinclair Photo Courtesy of MCSO

Sinclair is being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond.

According to CMPD:

On Friday, February 7, shortly before 10:00 a.m., CMPD officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon with injury call for service in the 400 block of Stitt Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered a female victim in the parking lot with a gunshot wound. She was pronounced deceased on scene by MEDIC.

The victim in this case has been identified as Brianye "Bri" Copeland, 27. Ms. Copeland’s next of kin have been notified of her death.

Bri Copeland Via Facebook

Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation, and Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives from CMPD’s Operations Command, Victim Services, and MEDIC also responded.

On Friday, February 7, 2025, officers with the Juvenile Accountability and Diversion Empowerment team (JADE) arrested Kristopher Anthony Sinclair, 38, for his involvement in this case. He was transported to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) in Uptown (601 E. Trade St.) to speak with detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit. At the conclusion of the interview, Mr. Sinclair was transferred into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Ms. Copeland's murder is the 8th since the year began. Her death marks a sad and troubling trend in Charlotte, as we are seeing an increase in female homicide victims often domestic in nature.

Bri Copeland

Another Day Another Body in Charloot

According to CMPD "Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a death investigation in the 7000 block of Nations Ford Road in the Steele Creek Division".

"On Thursday, February 6, shortly after 9:00 a.m., officers responded to a call for service of a death investigation in the 7000 block of Nations Ford Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive victim. MEDIC transported the victim to Atrium-Pineville where the victim was pronounced deceased".

Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation, and Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives from CMPD’s Operations Command and MEDIC also assisted.

Based on local news reports, Nations Ford Elementary School and the former E.E. Waddell High School building are located near the scene. Local news reported police tape surrounded a nearby playground. A spokesperson for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools had no comment, and further details were not yet available.

It seems rather common that bodies show up in our parks and school playgrounds, While Meck Park and Rec employ "Park Rangers" they are few and basically unarmed security guards. They lock gates and unlock bathrooms. CMS Police are sworn police officers but they too are supplemented by unarmed "security associates" to fill in the gaps.

The truth is after hours schools, parks and playgrounds around Charlotte are cesspools of crime and drug use and should be avoided. Early morning runs along the greenway in the summer are basically a meet and greet of the local homeless meth addicts who are usually afraid of my two leashed canine companions .The sight of these two charging fur missiles makes the crack heads retreat back under their rocks.  

The sad news is if the deceased in a homeless person or drug addict their death and loss of life will be greatly discounted. And so goes life in Da Creek.

Matthew Michael Arrest Fair or Foul?

From the Local Fishwrapper:

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer was arrested on child abuse charges while off duty, Chief Johnny Jennings said in a statement Wednesday evening. Officer Matthew Michael, 48, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor child abuse and placed on unpaid leave, the chief said.

Jail records said Michael was booked on Wednesday by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and released on bond. Jennings said the sheriff’s office would handle a criminal investigation into the allegations. CMPD is “limited in the information we can release at this time,” Jennings said. “However, I want to assure the community that we are committed to holding our officers accountable for their actions, both on and off duty,” he said.

Cedar's Take:

As many of you know CP has a couple of family members still within CMPD. There are also cousins and nephews that fill all rates and current capacities in a long blue and red line, even a deputy chief in Charleston. Then there are the retired but still outspoken ones. So it really pains me to see this sort of thing show up in the press.

CP doesn't know Officer Michael but the problem with this sort of news is that the public assumes the worst of all possible situations.

I suspect this is a child custody issue and a deranged former spouse is behind this arrest. This is also the problem with social media. Wild guesses abound.

But CP has been there, what a freaking waste of money and court resources. 

At issue was my creative child disciple method that involved a mystery "man with a belt". This unseen and not real "enforcer" was used in restaurants and on airliners to compel compliance to acceptable behavior.  And it worked rather well. A tantrum throwing 3 year old at a restaurant was told to knock it off because the man with the belt just walked in. Three knocks on the wall and a "who's that?" would calm my rampaging toddler instantly into a 3 year old church altar boy. 

I never had to lay a hand on my kid.

But a liberal Mecklenburg county judge saw that as "child abuse" ordered supervised visits and that I attend anger management and parenting classes. 

Day one of the first "group session" the psychologist took me aside and asked "why the hell are you here?" I tried to give a compliant answer and he laughed. Then told me there was no reason for my attendance.  

A week later he sent me this. 

He would appear on my behalf several weeks later telling the judge that she should leave parenting and sociologist diagnosis to the processionals. 15 years later and $20,000 plus in legal fees as well as an arrest for $252.45 in unpaid child support the long running battle ended. But the damage was done. 

And I still receive every month a child support payment demand notice from Mecklenburg County to pay my child support. 

So to Officer Michael yeah I've been there brother. 

 

United States Postal Service aka The Mailman

Sharyl Attkisson @SharylAttkisson posted the following on "X":

USPS question:

Have others experienced a radical slowdown in mail delivery in recent 2 yrs? 

I don't get a lot of snail mail but based on postmarks, first class letters from same region are taking 10-21 days. A lot of mail doesn't arrive at all, including 2 wedding invitations. One returned to sender even with accurate address. The other just POOF! 

Is it my local post office or are others having issues?

Sharyl is probably not surprised that her timeline was flooding with 3,000 plus responses.

The truth is USPS sucks.

For many years we had a great carrier. She showed up like clockwork, polite friendly our mail was always ours. She lived by the motto: 

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,"

She retired. 

Time moved on.

Our replacement in a friendly Somalian who speaks zero english. He shows up at random times and some days not at all. Other days it is as late as 8PM.

Parcels are tossed in the driveway. Because he sees dogs as "unclean".

Our neighbors get our mail often. If it doesn't show up in my box I'll check their box and they do the same. I end up re-delivering their mail about twice a week. 

If I don't see an expected letter or package I can often find it 3 blocks away at a house number that also ends in 23 or the one with the same house number on a different street 2 blocks over.  

A bill mailed on the 15th arrived yesterday the 1st. This wasn't a cross country package rather just a first class letter from two zip codes away. 

But no shortage of bulk mail which we get in "bulk". Often the one piece for our address is combined with four more of the same piece.

My biggest complaint is this new American puts the important mail inside the advertising flyers and magazines.  

When I suggest he not do that he says "Look at me, I'm the Mail Carrier Now" smiles and drives away.

To be eligible for career Postal Service employment, an applicant must be a United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident alien (one who possesses a "green card"), or a citizen of any territory owing permanent allegiance to the United States.

Speaking english is not required.

Cedar's Take on Mail Boxes: Mail Boxes

The CMPD Win That Wasn't

Wrapping up January, CMPD's POI bragged about the excellent work Officers in Metro and the CGST (Crime Gun Suppression Team) did to round up the bad guys:

Great work to highlight by CMPD’s Crime Gun Suppression Team (CGST) and Metro Division after their investigation led to the recovery of 8 firearms and the arrest of the suspects involved in two Shooting into Occupied Dwelling (SIOD) incidents where more than 200 rounds were fired.

CGST and Metro Division Detectives were able to identify the suspects, the vehicles that were involved in these shootings and recover three firearms. 

After locating the first suspect vehicle, detectives found spent shell casings and worked with CMPD’s Crime Lab to confirm a match from the SIOD incidents. 

They were able to locate a second suspect vehicle with two passengers and make a stop before a search led to the discovery of additional spent shell casings and narcotics. 

Detectives completed a search warrant on the previous location of the passengers, Robert Mason, 19, and Karnell Lawrence, 24, and located an additional three handguns and two rifles. 

The CMPD Crime Lab once again confirmed that the shell casings found in the vehicle were a match to the shell casings that were found on the scenes of the two SIODs.

Throughout this investigation the combined teamwork between the Metro Division, the Crime Lab and the CGST led to the arrests of violent offenders as well as the recovery of multiple firearms before they could be used in another act of violence.

For more information, please refer to report number: 20250103-1256-03 and 
20250103-0015-02.

On the surface this looks does indeed look like "great" work by CMPD. Two violent thugs off the streets and locked up.

Sadly nothing could be further from the truth. 

Mason was released within a few hours on a written promise to appear, Lawrence was released on an unsecured bond within 48 hours.

What am I missing?

The trouble is that regardless of the work that the boots on the street do. the Mecklenburg DA and Courts will always undo.

Both Mason and Lawrence were charged with only a misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon charges. Both released on either a written promise to appear or an unsecured bond even though both gave Virginia Beach addresses and will likely be no shows when their court date rolls around.

This is total smoke and mirrors. Just a huge nothing burger as neither will actually see a courtroom since the charges will most likely be dismissed.

Still I'm reading this thinking I must be wrong, clearly they must have been charged with something beyond the seriousness of a parking ticket? Maybe they arrested so many people they only had time to name two? Maybe they arrested juveniles and can't name them, or maybe just didn't want to ruin their lives? 

(Then there's the email they suggests that if I really back'd the blue I'd lighten up.)

Here's the Officer affidavit:

On 01/03/2025 at approximately 1300 hours detectives located blue Hyundai Sante Fe displaying Virginia tag:TJF6477 parked at gas station on Glenwood Drive. 

This vehicle matched the description of shooting into occupied dwelling (SIOD) suspect vehicle that occurred the night prior (20250103-0015-02). Detectives would observe three individuals exit the gas station and get into the Hyundai and drive away. 

Detectives then followed the vehicle until the helicopter could get over head. Detectives then executed vehicle apprehension on the Hyundai to prevent the Hyundai from fleeing at 109 Hoskins Rd. 

Detectives detained all of the occupants from the vehicle: Karnell Lawrence-Driver Alexis Degroat-Front seat Passenger Robert Mason-Rear passenger side Detectives frisked the vehicle for weapons and located three firearms concealed in the Hyundai. 

One firearm was concealed under the driver's seat, which was Glock 19 9mm (Serial# PMU004) loaded with round in the chamber. 

Another firearm was concealed in the center console which was Taurus G2C 9mm (Serial# ABE556278) loaded with live round in the chamber. 

The third firearm was concealed under the front passenger seat on the rear closest to MASON who was sitting in the rear passenger seat, which was Glock 19 9mm(Serial# BWYK500). 

Detectives also observed spent shell casing in the trunk of the Hyundai. Crime Scene was then requested to process the vehicle related to the SIOD.

The defendant, Robert Mason, is being charged with CCW-gun for the firearm concealed

under the seat directly in front of him, Glock 19 9mm (BWYKS500) handgun.

The affidavit for Lawrence reads the same.

Cedar's Take:

Add up the resources and costs, helo, crime scene, Officers, Detectives, wreckers, courts, MCSO, and the best we can come up is a misdemeanor.  200 rounds fired into occupied homes and this is the best we can do? Please tell me where I'm wrong?

And this is just one of two dozen cases I've been told about in the last year. Look are the Romare Bearden Park shooter. Or the Juneteenth shooting. Bragging about these non-events makes CMPD look like the Joe Biden of police departments.