Sambo's 903 Drive-In Congressman Norman Invitation (From Back In December of Last Year)

I posted this on the CP blog back before Christmas it didn't get any traction, and no response from the US Congressman. So I'm going to put it over here and the invitation is still open.

This morning I’m sitting inside Sambo’s 903 Drive-In. 

Yes, that’s the name of this business in 2024 and I swear to God Almighty I’m not making this up.

Sambo’s has been around for more years than I’ve known time.

This morning it’s 25 degrees outside and in these parts that’s cold.

The breakfast crowd is a mixture of South Carolina State Highway workers, Sheriff Deputies, Fire and Rescue personnel, some construction workers and one out of place guy from Charlotte who is a retired investment manager who once ran more than 800 million in pension fund assets at one time. Needless to say, I’m not wearing a suit this morning.

Wrangler Jeans, Carhartt long sleeve t-shirt, fitted Operation Hat Trick hat, two days growth on my face and flannel lined vest and still, I stand out.

An attractive 30 something girl steps inside and yells “Hey Lancaster Fire move your pick-up trucks out of my parking spaces now!”

Two guys jump up and head to the door. Now this might seem odd, fire department guys don’t take lightly to being told to move their trucks. While this baddie is clearly no pushover, she’s got a mother of 3 boys voice, they don’t give her any BS. The inside story is that she’s a deputy’s wife that owns the hair salon next door. Oh, and her customer is Mrs. Cedar. 

The boys apologize to her: “Sorry we didn’t know you opened so early”. She gives them a melt their soul smile and says, “I start at 7:00 every day”. To which they reply, “Yes Ma’am”.

I return to my coffee and cellphone. Smile to myself and laugh.

There’s an electrical contractor giving two guys a taking to, because last night they left two work ladders on a job site. There are now in the owner’s pickup truck and not their work truck and he tells them if they don’t mind picking up the breakfast check he’ll forget all about their oversight. Then he pays the entire bill and tip anyways.

Breakfast is soon over the fire guys head out, deputies settle up and move on as well. 

I leave a twenty for my coffee and say thank you. 

Outside it’s still cold. Carolinas in December shouldn't be like this!

And I think to myself by God this is America and those self-absorbed idiots in Washington don’t have a clue. These are the hard-working Americans congress is supposed to be looking out for, but they are busy debating who the brain-dead president should pardon next, arguing about transgender surgeries for children and giving billions to Africa. 

The new Trump administration is proud of themselves because they have identified $500 million that they can save right away while the acting head of the secret service is having a live on national television mental breakdown, He's now deflecting to September 11th even though he's supposed to be answering concerns about the Trump Pennsylvania security breakdown.

Clearly, Congress has lost touch with America. 

Ralph Norman is South Carolina's 5th Congressional District Representative, and I’d bet you he’s never had breakfast at Sambo’s 903 Drive-In.

Well, here’s his invitation. Come around 7 but don’t park in the Salon parking spaces. I'll buy.

Dawson James Payne - FA/FO CMPD Style

Props to WSOC's Joe Bruno for the heads up on this arrest.

Police say 18-year-old Dawson Payne threw a lit firework at a CMPD officer after the officer pulled over someone involved with a street takeover yesterday on Woodpark Blvd. 

The firework missed the Officer but hit his patrol car as it exploded.

Payne fled but was later arrested when police made another stop on a car involved in the street takeover. 

According to court documents:

On 22 June 2025 at around 0300 hours, Officers responded to 3300 Woodpark Blvd in response to street takeover.

Upon officer arrival, Officer conducted a traffic stop on vehicle that was participating in the street takeover. While the Officer was removing a passenger from the vehicle on the traffic stop, an unmarked vehicle who was parked behind the Officer's vehicle observed a young white male with black t-shirt and black sweatpants on, throw a flaming firework at the Officer. 

The subject who threw the firework was later identified as, Dawson Payne. The Officer that witnessed this incident advised that the firework just missed the Officer and struck the right-side mirror of Officer's patrol vehicle. The firework left marks on the vehicle and pushed the mirror inward because of the force of the firework.

The Officer that had seen Payne throw the firework advised that he took off running once the firework was thrown towards vehicle and got into the back. 

The CMPD Officer completed his traffic stop and then had not seen the vehicle since. 

Officers then got the location of secondary street takeover at 2400 Cascade Point Blvd. Officers began to head in that direction and as Officers approached the meet up location, Officers that were on traffic stop saw the same subject, Payne, running towards the backside of the Hilton Garden Inn on Cascade Pointe. 

Officers pulled into the PVA of the hotel and located a black vehicle that was starting to flee. Officers got out with the subjects in the vehicle and detained the three subjects, including Payne. 

Officers located ski masks in the vehicle, and Payne was found dripping in sweat. A photo of Payne and the vehicle he was found in was sent to the Officer on the original traffic stop, and he positively identified as the subject as Payne who threw the firework. 

Officers arrested Payne and he was charged with assault with deadly weapon on government official. Payne was read his Miranda rights and he advised that he was responsible for throwing the firework but advised that it was not his intention to hit the officer.

According to the MSCO Payne is still in custody at this time. (Update Payne was released from the Mecklenburg County Jail on June 24, 2025 at 9:31 pm  according the MCSO website).

Payne's bond has been reduced to $2,000.00 secured provided he is finger printed swabbed for DNA and outfitted with electronic monitoring. 

His next court date is July 8, 2025 at 1:30 in Courtroom 1150.

Welcome to Person County

You know the type. The second they realize they are being pulled over on a traffic stop, they get a attitude. Rather than calmly turn on their signal, and ease off the road, they swerve to the shoulder, Slam on the brakes and stop right on the edge of the highway. They won't put their vehicle into park and refuse to roll down the windows.

I'll politely ask for an ID, registration maybe even proof of insurance. And I get a blank stare.

When they do roll down the window an inch the first thing they start with is "why did you touch my car when you walked up?". Sweet Jesus here we go I end up telling myself.

I get two types of talkers, those who say nothing and those who are talking so fast I can't make out much except that they are "Demanding" that I call for a supervisor and by this time they've told me 8 times that "they know their rights".

I calmly explain that I am the supervisor, to which they always demand my name and badge number I tell them William A Person and that I'm the sheriff and I don't have a badge number, which for some reason upsets most of them even more. Apparently the concept of Sheriff confuses them because they keep calling me "officer".

Still they demand to know who my supervisor is and so I explain that I'm the sheriff and so I am the supervisor. It might seem odd to some folks that the sheriff wouldn't have a supervisor but you see Person County has a population of around 40,000 give or take a few and being as my great great grandfather Thomas Person founded the county I don't usually have a lot of people who question that.

So I usually suggest that if I'd could just have their ID and registration I'll write them a summons and they can be on their way.

Now at this point you'd think they'd just say "get on with it and give me my ticket" but still some go on about the "I know my rights" horse dirt.

So at this point I end up having to explain their rights to them. That they have a right to remain silent and if they don't get me an ID they will be taken to jail where they can explain to the county judge who happens to be my brother in law who they are and why they didn't provide an ID when asked. I further explain and he may or may not let them claim their car from the impound lot on Wednesday because he only holds court traffic court on Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Now at this point you would think that they would have a change of heart and realize that rather than talking to me they could be 1/2 to Chapel Hill by now if they would just let me write my darn ticket and get on with my day. 

But for some reason only known to God and them they want to argue with me. 

They want to see the radar. They want proof they were speeding.

Now we don't have radar in Person County so I have to explain that I followed them all the way from the Golden Corral to the Marathon Station which has a POSTED SPEED LIMIT of 35 miles per hour and they were doing better than 50. Of course they swear they never saw me, which was because they were too busy talking or texting on their cell phones. 

Now let me add that our county's motto "Everything is Better in Person" was not my idea. Someone thought it was cute and I try not to take offense. 

But I'll tell you this getting a traffic ticket "in Person" would be a whole lot less painful if you'd just give me your darn driver's license. 

Please Drive safely. 

William "Bubba" Person - Sheriff

CMPD: Crime is not the Problem it is Your Perception that's Wrong

Yesterday the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department's Public Information Office posted the following on "X":

Between April and June 2025, CMPD’s JADE Unit repeatedly arrested a juvenile involved in widespread vehicle break-ins across multiple jurisdictions in North and South Carolina. Despite multiple arrests, stolen firearms recovered and custody orders issued, the juvenile was released twice by judges and placed on CMPD's electronic monitoring. 

After cutting off the monitor the juvenile was linked to 100 more vehicle break-ins. On June 5, he was arrested again with two stolen firearms. Over the last three months, CMPD has arrested this juvenile eight separate times with charges including: 

·        Attempted Larceny of Motor Vehicles x 2

·        Larceny of Motor Vehicle x 1

·        Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle x 1

·        Felony Conspiracy x 21

·        Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles x 57

·        Possession of Handgun by Minor x 6

·        Possession of Stolen Firearm x 3

At least eight law enforcement agencies in both North and South Carolina have over 275 charges on this individual. This juvenile and other repeat offenders’ continuous disregard for the law greatly impacts public perception of crime in Charlotte. Habitual offenders inflate crime statistics by increasing the number of incidents and victims, creating the misconception of higher crime rates, when in reality, many of these offenses are committed by the same individuals.

Certainly a newsworthy story that the public should be aware of, and all important to illustrate the department's ongoing efforts to combat crime.

And then at the very end it goes nuclear grade stupid:

This juvenile and other repeat offenders’ continuous disregard for the law greatly impacts public perception of crime in Charlotte. Habitual offenders inflate crime statistics by increasing the number of incidents and victims, creating the misconception of higher crime rates, when in reality, many of these offenses are committed by the same individuals.

Cedar's Take:

This idiocy is troubling. They really do think you are stupid.

CMPD wants you the taxpayer and often victim to believe that crime really isn't so bad in Charlotte and that it is just your flawed perception of crime due to the same people doing the same crime again and again.

"We understand you were robbed 3 times and each time the crook took $1,000.00 worth of merchandise from your store, but we here at CMPD want you to understand it’s not so bad because it was the same guy each time!"

Seriously?

Just because every 3rd car you see in Steele Creek has a paper license plate doesn't mean they might be stolen cars. That would be a flawed perception.

The crowds of roaming thugs and hoodrats in Romare Bearden Park are just out for an evening stroll and that gunfire you think you hear is just celebratory pop rocks, never mind the crowds running down the street screaming out in fear. Uptown is very safe. To think otherwise is just a misconception. 

Remember a double homicide is really just one crime and not two.

What is it about Chief Jennings? Why suddenly is everything coming out about his shady dealings? Who with good conscience would take a $77,000 payment for moving.

Required council approval but the approval was never given? Was it even reported as income?

Who would in good conscience tell the PIO to spin repeat offenders as the cause of increased crime?

Why do the "CrimeMapper" numbers not true up?

Patrick Cannon, Tiawanna Brown, Anthony Fox have nothing on Chief Jennings.

Taking bribes, steal from the SBA, shady business connections, and the usual do you know who I am, you can't give me a ticket.

Vi Lyles and her free Myers Park Membership and the list goes on and on but small carrots to where we are now.

The lack of transparency is stunning.

The truth is smart people understand that "the perception is the reality".

$77,000 for Moving Expenses

Newly obtained public records show the city of Charlotte paid Johnny Jennings more than $77,000 in moving expenses after the city manager named the longtime Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department employee police chief in 2020. 

Records show, at the time, he lived in a neighboring county. The city's 2020 job posting for the position listed a minimum requirement for the incoming chief to live within the city limits within three months of the hire date. 

Because the amount was more than $60,000 Charlotte City Council would have had to approve the expense even if it was paid in 2 lump sums.

Let that marinate a while, $77K to move back into the Charlotte City limits. 

According to a search on Google:

The average company relocation package can vary significantly, but for entry-level or mid-level positions, it often ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, according to AIHR. For senior or specialized roles, these packages can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more. Relocation packages may include a lump sum payment, direct billing of moving expenses, or a combination of both. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Entry-Level/Mid-Level:

Expect a range of $2,000 to $10,000, potentially covering basic moving expenses and temporary housing. 

Senior/Specialized Roles:

These packages can range from $10,000 to $30,000, potentially including comprehensive moving services and additional support. 

Lump Sum vs. Reimbursement:

Some companies offer a lump sum, while others reimburse expenses based on receipts. 

Negotiation:

Relocation packages can sometimes be negotiated, especially for higher-level roles. 

Cost Factors:

The total cost of a relocation package depends on factors like distance of the move, size of household, and whether the employee owns or rents. 

Examples:

Some companies offering relocation packages include Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, with amounts ranging from $3,000 to over $10,000. 

Cedar's Take:

So how to you feel about your job with CMPD this morning? 

Why did it take five years to disclose this abomination? 

Good Morning Charloot!

It's been a rather dull weekend around Charloot, sans one homicide and the usual drunks and idiots. 

The anti Trump "No Kings" protest was basically uneventful. Bike team doing a BZ job of keeping the clowns from wandering down College Street.

Taxpayers and uptown business owners are pleased to see that Command put a stop to both the protestors wearing masks and the aimlessly wandering protest marches.

Juneteenth on Thursday should be dull as well even up on Da Ford. Hearing that the idea of CMPD "standing down" has been canned again for this year and that street takeovers are to be dealt with promptly.

With Father's day on Sunday it gave us all time to hang out with family and friends pool side and watch the kids enjoy the day.  

Still I don't think you can really appreciate Father's Day until you notice that 3 of the guys who were playing corn hole just an hour ago are now heading off to roll call leaving the house in their blue uniforms, wearing duty belts and carrying three and four year olds in their arms. The hand off is quick and just like that they are rolling. The kids head back to the pool and the girls just cope.

That is all just my perspective.

Oh one more thing.... "Let's be careful out there".

CP

CMPD Officer Busted on DWI

From the CMPD PIO:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, June 9, 2025) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Internal Affairs Division is conducting an internal investigation following the arrest of CMPD Officer Jonathan Nicholas outside of the CMPD jurisdiction.

On June 8, while off-duty, Officer Nicholas was arrested by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) in Burke County. Officer Nicholas was initially stopped for speeding and later arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI).

The NCSHP is the lead investigative agency and questions should be directed to their office.

Officer Nicholas is currently on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation. Officer Nicholas was hired on August 13, 2012. His most recent assignment was in the University City Division.

Later CMPD Chief Jennings issued this statement:

"Upholding the law is a constant commitment, not just something done during an officer’s shift. I am disheartened to learn of the arrest of Officer Nicholas because it represents a deviation from the commitment all officers make when we take our oath and pin on this badge. We are held to a higher standard as law enforcement officers, whether we are on or off duty. Any behavior that falls short of that commitment compromises public trust and should not be tolerated."

Cedar's Take:

I don't drink and drive. Not even a little The USCG and FAA have basically zero tolerance policies which means I can't even "hang out with the guys" the night before and make a 7 am flight. Tonic and Lime on the rocks is my limit. 

Now everyone within CMPD knows the SHP guys don't cut breaks. 

My kryptonite is craft beer and in particular Wicked Weed "Pernicious" at 7.3% ABV which means one is enough to blow stupid. Daily Haze is also pretty good. Which means I don't drink on a weekend in the mountains or on a road trip. Which also means I don't drink away from home. I don't drink at friends homes and I don't drink an drive ever.

So when the SHP tosses the bullshit "how much have you had to drink tonight question my way" I can say "ZERO". I always have and always will.

I lost a girlfriend to a drunk driver in high school I don't like people who drive drunk.

That said unpaid administrative leave is just all kinds of wrong when it come to a 13 year member of the department. 

And along those lines Chief Jennings comments are kinda rich considering.