Makahi Saalim Al-Fayad Poster Child for Lifetime Incarceration

Sometimes you just have to ask why? Why has this been allowed to go on for so long?

This habitual felon has apparently been living an endless crime spree since the age of 14. While his juvenile record is sealed sources say it is pretty extensive.

As an adult he's racked up 18 arrests in Mecklenburg County in the last 3 years. Remember these are only the crimes he's been caught committing and only those in Charlotte. Some of these arrests are for as many as ten charges. 

Many of the arrests are for violent offenses; First degree kidnapping, AWDWIKIS, Discharging a weapon into occupied property, Assault on a female. The only violent crimes missing are Rape and Murder. 

Yet Mecklenburg County Judges and Magistrates saw fit to release him back on the streets over and over again. Most of the time with no bail or an unsecured bail.

Once out of jail he'd commit another crime within days.

Finally after his 3 years of revolving door madness he's been forced to accept a plea deal, on on Wednesday August submitted a "Alford Plea" which was agreed to by the Meck County DA and accepted by the judge.

An Alford plea is a plea of "guilty" that a defendant, who maintains their innocence, can enter in North Carolina and other states. The defendant acknowledges that the prosecution has a strong case and that the risk of conviction at trial is too high, but they do not admit to committing the crime. The plea, named after the 1970 U.S. Supreme Court case North Carolina v. Alford, allows the defendant to avoid a trial and receive a lighter sentence while avoiding a potentially damaging full trial. 

How it Works in North Carolina:

Court Approval:

The plea is not automatic; the court must find a sufficient factual basis for the plea, meaning there is enough evidence for the prosecutor to prove the defendant's guilt. 

Voluntariness:

The judge will question the defendant to ensure the plea is made voluntarily, intelligently, and knowingly, and that the defendant understands the rights they are waiving by pleading guilty. 

Consequences:

An Alford plea results in a criminal record and carries the same legal consequences as any other guilty plea, including potential impacts on future employment and housing opportunities. 

In this instance Al-Fayad has pleaded guilty to the following charges: 

22CR212081-590

Discharge Weapon into occupied Vehicle resulting in Injury

22CR212083-590 

AWDWIKISI

24CR301209-590 

Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle

24CR301209-590 

Flee to Elude Arrest (2 Counts)

Yet shockingly Mecklenburg County Assistant District Attorney Emily Koll dismissed the following 38 charges against Al-Fayad in exchange for the guilty plea.

List of Dismissed Charges

24CR487820-590

Larceny of a Motor Vehicle

Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of a Motor Vehicle

IH1ING SON +2 jude arrest; 

24CR211725-590

Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle 

Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle

24CR211727-590

Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle 

Resist Public Officer

Assault on Female

Comm. Threats; ITPP ,Peg, 

24CR310023-590

1st Deg. Kidnapping: 

Consp. to Commit 1st Deg. Kidnapping: 

Poss. Stolen M/V; 

CCW

24CR324182-590

Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of Motor Vehicle 

Larceny of M/V

22CR212082-590 

Discharge Firearm into Occupied Vehicle inflicting serious injury 

22CR1212490-590 

Discharge Firearm into Occupied Vehicle in operation 

22CR212491-590 

AWDWIKISI 

25CR206492-590

LARCENY OF MOTOR VEHICLE (F)

CONSP. COMMIT LARCENY OF Motor Vehicle

25CR206494-590

LARCENY OF MOTOR VEHICLE (F); CONSP. COMMIT LARCENY OF Motor Vehicle

25CR206499-590

ATTEMPTED LARCENY (F)

B/E MOTOR VEH; CONSP. 

LARCENY OF Motor Vehicle

25CR206502-590

ATTEMPTED LARCENY (F) 

Breaking and Entering of a MOTOR VEHICLE: CONSP. 

LARCENY OF Motor Vehicle

25CR206506-590 

LARCENY OF MOTOR VEHICLE (F) 

CONSP. COMMIT LARCENY OF Motor Vehicle

25CR206509-590

LARCENY OF MOTOR VEHICLE (F)

CONSP. COMMIT LARCENY OF Motor Vehicle

24CR400783-590 

Resist Public Officer 

23CR241425-590

FLEE/ELUDE ARREST:

Possession of a STOLEN Motor Vehicle

POSS.SCH I;P 

23CR241425-590 

POSS. MARIJUANA UP TO 1/2 OZ

Poss. Marijuana Para.; 

What happens to this thug now?

While it is possible that he could be sentenced for up to 42 and 1/2 years he'll likely see less than 2 given the mindset of Mecklenburg's democrat liberal judges.

Sentencing will occur at a later date and we'll let you know.

Where is he now? Click here to find out.

By the way CMPD did their job and then some, this is just one arrest affidavit:

On January 15th 2024 detectives received information that an unknown suspect was storing high end motor vehicles at residence on the 300 block of Lakewood Avenue. Detectives responded the morning of January 16th 2024 and located two stolen vehicles at the residence, blue Audi A7 stolen from Concord and silver Dodge Charger stolen from Charlotte.

These vehicles were recovered under report 20240116084600. 

Later, officers received information that the suspect, later identified as Makahi Al-Fayad DOB 12/18/2003 had returned to the residence in blue vehicle. Officers responded again (20240116151601) and located Al-Fayad running from the residence. 

Al-Fayad was apprehended after brief foot chase. The vehicle Al-Fayad was driving, blue Chevrolet Camaro, was found to be stolen from Greensboro. Al-Fayad's phones were seized and search warrant was executed on them.

The CMPD Cyber crimes unit was able to access the phones and this detective began to review the data. 

Upon review, this detective was able to develop probable cause on Al-Fayad for the theft of the recovered Charger and he was charged accordingly. After charging Al-Fayad this detective reviewed the case for presentation to the ADA. While doing so, this detective observed that the Charger that Al-Fayad had been charged with stealing had been stolen with key fob programmer that detectives had seized in search warrant in March of 2024. 

A search warrant was executed on the device that linked it to multiple thefts. This detective then began to review these thefts and compare the thefts with the data in Al-Fayad's phone. As a result, it has been determined that Al-Fayad was present and likely part of the following thefts:

20231223-0632-01

Incident Time frame: 12/23/2023 0625-0632

Location: 8326 Wallace Glen Dr Vehicle: Gray 2021 Dodge Charger SCAT VIN: 2C3CDXGJ9MH526299

This vehicle was an entry made into the seized key fob programmer and indicators at the theft show that the vehicle was stolen via a programmer. 

Al-Fayad's phone data shows him to be at the incident location at 12/23/23 from 0626 to 0632 hours, the same time frame as described in the report.

Charges:: Larceny of Motor Vehicle and Felony Conspiracy

20231217-1524-02 (Attempt)

Incident Time frame:: 12/17/2023 1450-1500

Location:: 4266 Beam Rd

Vehicle:: Black 2023 Dodge Charger VIN: 2C3CDXGJ6PH535773

This vehicle was an entry made into the seized key fob programmer. The victim stated he received vibration alert from his vehicle at 1454 hours. The victim found his window smashed and the lower dash had been exposed showing the OBD port. The wheel lock and CarLock sensor had also been tampered with indicating likely attempted theft. 

Al-Fayad's phone data shows him at the same location of this incident from 1449 hours until 1506 hours. This is wider time frame than the report but includes the entire time frame and the time in which the victim received the vibration alert, demonstrating Al-Fayad's likely involvement. 

Charges: Attempted Larceny of Motor Vehicle, Breaking and Entering Motor Vehicle, Felony Conspiracy

20231217-0955-01 (Attempt)

Incident Time frame:: 12/16/23 1600 12/17/23 0945

Location:: 7724 Free Bird Ave

Vehicle:: 2018 black Dodge Charger VIN:: 2C3CDXGJ3JH217746

This is another attempted theft in which window to the vehicle was broken and the glove box damaged Nothing was stolen from the vehicle. 

This vehicle matches the vehicle type that has typically be targeted by thieves using key fob programmers and the VIN for this vehicle was found in the programmer that was seized.

Al-Fayad's phone data shows him at the incident location on 12/17/23 from 0337 hours to 0400 hours, well within the time frame of the incident.

Charges:: Attempted Larceny of Motor Vehicle, Breaking and Entering Motor Vehicle, Felony Conspiracy

20231107-0617-00

Incident Timeframe:: 11/7/23 0612-0615

Location:: 10521 Plantain Ct Vehicle:: 2017 black Dodge Charger VIN:: 2C3CDXGJ3HH653099

This vehicle VIN was also located inside the key fob programmer seized by detectives. 

Al-Fayad's phone does not have any data directly at the incident location, however it does have data showing on Hanberry Blvd which

is just across Back Creek Church Road from the incident location. Al-Fayad is showing at this location from 0539 hours to 0627 hours on 11/7/23. Based on Al-Fayad's patterns and history as well as his being within one minute drive from the incident location during the incident time frame, it is more probable than not that Al-Fayad took part in this theft. 

Charges: Larceny of Motor Vehicle and Felony Conspiracy

20231107-0905-00

Incident Timeframe:: 11/6/23 2230 11/7/23 0905

Location:: 345 Sharon Township Ln Vehicle:: Black 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN: 1C4RJFDJ1EC390137

This vehicle VIN was also located in the key fob programmer and found to be stolen. The victim had tracker in the car and the vehicle was recovered at 3818 Dry Brook shortly after 0930 hours the same day of the theft. Al-Fayad's phone data shows him at the incident location from 0151 to 0203 hours on November 7th.2023 and

again from 0448 to 0458 hours the same morning. Not only that, but Al-Fayad's phone has additional data that shows him near the intersection of Brookstone Ct and Hatwynn Road on 11/7/23 at approximately 1100 hours. This is adjacent to 3818 Dry Brook Rd, as it is short one to two minute walk from the recovery location. Charges: Larceny of Motor Vehicle and Felony Conspiracy

20231107-0949-03

incident timeframe: 11/7/23 0340 0355

Location: 210 Church St Vehicle: Black 2014 Dodge Charger VIN: 2C3CDXDTOEH184247

This is another vehicle VIN that was located in the key fob programmer. Video footage of this.theft shows two

persons climb over the gate to the complex to access the vehicle. Due to the quality of footage, it is difficult to determine who these persons are. 

Al-Fayad's phone data shows him by Romare Bearden park from 0246 to

0309 hours. His phone next shows him near Lakewood Avenue an hour later at 0409 hours until 0417 hours. Al-Fayad then returns to Romare Bearden at 0426 hours to 0436 hours. Given that Al-Fayad is in the general area of the theft prior, the fact that there is full hour from when he leaves the park and then goes to Lakewood, where three stolen vehicles were later recovered, and the fact that Al-Fayad is present at two other thefts that occur the same day with the same programmer and near this theft just before it occurs, it is more probable than not that Al-Fayad took part in this theft as well and as result will be charged accordingly. 

Charges: Larceny of Motor Vehicle and Felony Conspiracy 

She Seems Nice

This is Asaiah Marielle Hernandez, and this is not her first rodeo. Currently being held by MCSO at the McFadden Hilton on $100,000.00 bond with a charge of AWDWIKISI and Felony Hit and Run.

CMPD Statement:

OFFICERS RESPONDED TO 317 SANDY AVE WHERE THEY FOUND THE VICTIM LYING DOWN IN A YARD WITH SERIOUS INJURIES. 

THE VICTIM STATED THAT HE GOT INTO A VERBAL ARGUMENT, WITH HIS EX GIRLFRIEND, THE DEFENDANT AT HIS HOME. HE DECIDED TO DISTANCE HIMSELF AND LEAVE ON HIS MOTORCYCLE.

THEN DEFENDANT THEN GOT INTO HER VEHICLE AND CHASED HIM. THE DEFENDANT THEN INTENTIONALLY STRUCK THE (VICTIM) WITH HER VEHICLE. THE VICTIM WAS EJECTED FROM HIS VEHICLE AND LANDED APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET FROM THE IMPACT SITE. 

THE DEFENDANT DRAGGED THE (VICTIM'S) MOTORCYCLE UNDER HER VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET BEFORE SHE LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE AND FLIPPED HER VEHICLE. 

SHE THEN FLED THE SCENE ON FOOT AND OFFICERS WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE HER. 

THE VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO ATRIUM CMC MAIN BY MEDIC WITH LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. THE VICTIM SUFFERED SEVERAL WOUNDS, INCLUDING BROKEN SPINE. THE VICTIM WAS UNABLE TO MOVE UPON OFFICERS ARRIVAL. 

HE WAS SHAKING IN PAIN AND HAD A DIFFICULT TIME SPEAKING. 

THE VICTIMS MOTORCYCLE WAS HIT WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE BIKE IS FOLDED IN HALF. 

THE VICTIM WAS ABLE TO GIVE OFFICERS THE FULL NAME AND DOB OF THE DEFENDANT.

(Note Typographical errors have been corrected and the name of the victim deleted).

According to MCSO and Court records, Hernandez and the victim have both been arrested in the past on domestic violence charges against each other, but this is a new level of violence.

Is she still locked up or should I be concerned? Click here to find out. 

Sometimes I Wonder What is Wrong with These People

Kevin Darrel Shaun Stewart Photo Courtesy MCSO

This 20 year old mofo is charged with 3 counts of attempted murder first degree murder, felony conspiracy to commit murder and 4 counts of shooting into an occupied vehicle and injury to personal property.

He's been held at the MCDC since yesterday under a $750,000.00 bail.

The details of what he did and the people he shot are really inconsequential.

The charging documents read like a bad joke. Props to the CMPD Officer for hanging in there like a bulldog and building a case.

Here goes:

On 7/30/2025 at around 10:00 a.m., officers responded to the area of Sonoma Valley Drive and Old Forester Lane. The caller stated two vehicles exchanged gunfire and fled the area. 

The caller explained the one vehicle was white four door and the other was white SUV. The witness then clarified the white sedan was Nissan Maxima and appeared someone dragged another person back to the white Maxima.

Officers located multiple discharged cartridge casings in the 2500 block of Sonoma Valley Drive which is near the neighborhood park. 

Officers canvassed the area and located silver Hyundai Tucson registered to Barbaro Gonzalez Lopez with bullet hole in the side. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the shooting and damage.

A short time later officers located the white maxima with blood inside and apparent bullet holes in the 100 block of Chattaroy Drive. The vehicle was unoccupied.

Officers then received call for service at Atrium Health Mountain island Emergency Department stating subject arrived and had been shot.

Officers and detectives spoke with gunshot victim, Kevin Linton. Linton eventually stated he was going to assist his friend, Kalil Allison, who was supposed to meet up with another individual to fight. 

Linton stated he arrived at the park in the neighborhood with Samarie Thompson 2/25/2000 in the Nissan Maxima and Kalil arrived at the park in his own Honda Civic. Linton stated after only few minutes he heard shots being fired and dove across the vehicle to get away from the gunfire. 

Linton stated he could only say the vehicle that shot at him was white vehicle. Linton advised he was the front right passenger in the white Maxima and after the shooting got back in with Samarie as the driver and Kalil in the back of the car. 

The vehicle was struck several times which caused the tire to become flat. The vehicle was left on Chattaroy Drive and Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road (where officers located it unoccupied).

Kalil Allison advised that he received call from Bremiah Herring, who stated she was involved in an altercation with her child's father and Allison was going to pick up Herring. Allison then picked up Herring at 430 Knothole Lane (in same neighborhood as the shooting). Allison stated he could hear male subject inside the home when he picked up Herring. Allison then took Herring away from the home. While driving to separate location Herring received messages from the male subject and mentioned Kalil's name. 

Kalil then began to message the male, Kevin with phone number "During the course of the text conversation between Kalil and Kevin it was determined they would fight at the park in the neighborhood. Kalil stated after short time waiting white small SUV or sedan began to shoot at them. Kalil stated he got down behind the white Maxima and then jumped in the Maxima and fled the area. Kalil advised Samarie returned fire after being shot at to defend him and his friends. Kalil advised he left his Honda Civic at the scene to get way from the shooting.

Samarie did not return to the scene, arrive at the hospital or respond after contact was attempted via Kalil and Linton.

Based on the physical evidence collected by Crime Scene Investigators, the suspects fired roughly (12) 9mm rounds and Samarie returned fire with rifle chambered in .223 (9) times. 

Witness, Richard Hoston, was arriving to the area for landscaping purposes and was directly behind the suspect vehicle as he was entering the area. 

He advised the suspect vehicle was small white SUV but could not provide any other description. He stated the suspect vehicle began to drive by the victim and victim vehicles and without hesitation or warning began to shoot at the victims. Hoston stated there was no confrontation and the victims did not provoke the shooting.

Officers and Detectives canvassed the area on the date of incident (7/30) and again on 8/1. No new information or surveillance footage was obtained.

Detectives responded to the QT near the incident location and were able to observe Kalil at the gas station in his dark grey Honda sedan. 

He appears to wait for Samarie and Kevin who arrive in the white Nissan to the lot at roughly 9:58 a.m. The Nissan is only in the lot long enough to turn around and follow Kalil out of the lot and toward the incident location. At roughly 10:02 a.m., observed Samarie's white Nissan Altima leave that area on Sonoma Valley Drive and turn right onto Mt. Holly Road. 

There is roughly 15-20 seconds before another leaves the area along Sonoma Valley.

Detectives and Officers have made repeated attempts to obtain the Cedar Mill neighborhood surveillance footage. 

Contact has been made with the HOA president and the Cedar Mill property management personnel. Was told the cameras are operable but at this time no one has been able to view or access the system. 

On 8/5/2025 the management company advised the cameras were offline at the time of this incident.

Officers have been in contact with Kevin and Kalil via text message on several occasions to see if there was any new information that they have gathered. Both have responded but advised there was no new information. 

Kalil advised he has had no contact with "Kevin". On 7/31/2025 at roughly 5:00 a.m., an unknown suspect kicked in the victim's Kevin Linton's front door at 11125 Northlake Landing Drive (2025-0731-0459-00). Kevin and Kalil both advised they do not believe the two incidents are related.

On 8/4/2025 at around 10:20 a.m., Tonya Caldwell called and requested we meet with her son Samarie to discuss the incident. She stated she would bring her 25-year-old son, Samarie, to the office on 8/6/2025 at around 2:00 p.m.

On 8/5/2025 the discharged cartridge casings item numbers #12 (.223) and #16 (9mm) were entered into IBIS/NIBIN.

On 8/6/2025 at around 1:45 p.m., Caldwell and Samarie arrived at the North Division Office to speak with me. We entered into interview room at the North Division Office. Samarie explained to me what had occurred. He stated he was with Kevin and briefly met Kalil at the QT nearby. Samarie advised they then drove over to the park to smoke. 

After few minutes white vehicle drove by and began to shoot at them. Samarie advised he got out of the driver seat and began to seek cover by his vehicle. 

At this time Kevin was struck and got out of the driver side. Samarie advised he grabbed his rifle from the back seat and returned fire. After the shooting Samarie stated he drove Kevin and Kalil away from the scene but could only make it so far as his vehicle began

inoperable. 

I began to research Kevin who Kalil advised he was supposed to fight at the park at or around the time of the shooting. 

Kevin Stewart 9/26/2004 is associated to the phone number of which was given by Kalil and Tonya Caldwell (Samarie's mother). The address Kalil picked up Bremiah is 430 Knothole Lane and the

address for Kevin Stewart 9/26/2004. 

The shooting location is also the location where Kalil and Kevin were

supposed to fight which was prearranged and within the time frame for the shooting. The shooting location is also within the same neighborhood as Kevin's residence.

Based on the totality of the circumstances, request warrants on Kevin Stewart 9/26/2004 for attempted first degree murder x3, shooting into an occupied vehicle 5x, injury to personal property, and felony conspiracy.

MCSO Chief Deputy Resignation Letter

TO: Sheriff Garry L. McFadden

FROM: Chief Deputy Christopher Allen 

DATE: August 18, 2025 

SUBJECT: Resignation

Sheriff McFadden,

 I would like this letter to serve as my official letter of resignation from the position of Chief Deputy of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.  After being under your leadership for the last year, I have come to the realization that your values and morals do not align with mine. It troubles me to have to write this letter because when I first met you, I had the utmost respect for you as the Sheriff of the largest Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina.  Sheriff McFadden, you painted a picture of a great agency where the employees were happy and just needed a little guidance. I was excited for an opportunity to make a difference, and further my career. Unfortunately, shortly after coming aboard, I realized that the picture you painted was not true, and quite the opposite. 

During my tenure at this agency, I have endured constant backstabbing, lies, disrespect and false narratives, all orchestrated by you, in an attempt to assassinate my character. The fact that you willingly coerced other staff members to malign me in many ways, greatly contributed to my inability to no longer trust you.

It saddens me to say that I have been in law enforcement for over twenty years and this last year that I have served under your leadership, has been the worst year of my entire law enforcement career. I have endured this hostile work environment created by you, suffering both mentally and physically due to your abusive and narcissistic behaviors, for as long as I possibly can. You openly promote mental health and advocate for those in the community who may be suffering, but you are the root cause of many who suffer, directly under your leadership. 

As a law enforcement professional, I have never had to fight to do what is right until I came to this agency. As a law enforcement supervisor, I have never been asked to target employees under my supervision until I worked under your leadership. My refusal to compromise my character, morals and integrity to comply with your demands, caused me to suffer an onslaught of harassment, hostility, and constant bullying from you, Sheriff McFadden.

I have witnessed you use the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office staff for your own personal gain to garner the support of the community, demanding staff presence at many events to promote your own agenda while taking them away from the little family time, that they have. Your mismanagement of Sheriff’s Office and county resources would be considerate less than ethical or professional in any organization and I will no longer be associated with that type of dysfunction.

Sheriff McFadden, if the community could actually see who you really are when there are no cameras and audience for you to entertain, they would see the true narcissist that you are. I totally agree with former Chief Deputy Kevin Canty when he stated that this agency has a culture that fosters a toxic and abusive environment, created by you.

In our last meeting, you doubled down on your suggestion that “I fear you” that comment, which you have made on several occasions, couldn’t be farther from any truth. I fear no one, but God. However, I was raised to always have respect for my elders. You have dangled this position over my head from the first day I arrived at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, and now for the last time. There is no amount of money worth the mental and verbal abuse that you inflict upon your executive and command staff, daily. 

I appreciate those who have stood by me during this tumultuous journey. I would not have made it to this one-year mark had it not been for the encouragement and support from Chief Youngblood and Chief Fields. 

I will continue to pray for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. 

Regards, 

Chief Deputy Christopher Allen is 10-42.

Every Weekend Drunk Illegals Are Trying To Kill You!

Every weekend there are dozens of arrests for DUI booked into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. While the racial breakdown of those arrested includes all members of the local community most of those arrested have Hispanic surnames. 

Nearly 5 to 1.

Equally concerning is the number of arrests without a drivers license. Not that they don't have a valid license rather they don't have any license. If they don't have a license they can't have valid insurance. 

Somehow these noncitizens (why else would you not have a driver's license) are driving around Charlotte without a basic understanding of traffic laws or insurance. Putting us all at risk.

Why hasn't the North Carolina General Assembly addressed this issue? Why is in not a felony to drive without a license? The fine and punishment should be so severe that no one would even think of driving without a valid tag, insurance and a driver's license and being stone cold sober!

Multivehicle Crash on Interstate 485 NTSB Report

​​

This information is preliminary and subject to change.

​Release date 14 August 2025​

​​On Saturday, July 26, 2025, about 11:03 a.m. eastern daylight time, a 2014 Honda CR-V sport utility vehicle (SUV) was traveling south in the middle lane of the outer loop of Interstate 485 (I-485), approximately 115 feet north of the Dixie River Road overpass (near mile marker 7.0), in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. 

At the same time, a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country minivan (minivan) was also traveling south in the right lane of I-485 near the SUV. 

The SUV and minivan were both approaching a 2023 Kenworth T680 truck-tractor in combination with a 2019 Wabash National refrigerated van semitrailer (combination vehicle), operated by Leonard’s Express, Inc., that was parked on the right shoulder of I-485. For unknown reasons, the SUV and minivan came into contact (side impact) near the broken white line separating the middle and right lanes. 

Following the impact, the SUV began rotating clockwise and the minivan was redirected to the right. Both vehicles subsequently traveled toward the right shoulder. The SUV collided with the rear and left-rear side of the combination vehicle’s semitrailer. The minivan struck the rear of the semitrailer.

As a result of the crash, the SUV driver, the minivan driver, and four minivan passengers were fatally injured. One passenger in the minivan was seriously injured. The driver of the combination vehicle was uninjured.

​At this location, I-485 is a divided six-lane concrete roadway consisting of three 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction of travel; the right edge of I-485 is bordered by an 11-foot-wide concrete shoulder. In the direction of travel for the crash-involved vehicles, I-485 is oriented in a generally southbound direction and had a posted speed limit of 70 mph. At the time of the crash, the weather was clear and the roadway was dry.

Parties to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation include:

​North Carolina State Highway Patrol

North Carolina Department of Transportation

​All aspects of the crash remain under investigation while the NTSB determines the probable cause, with the intent of issuing safety recommendations to prevent similar events.

Cedar's Take

While the final report is likely months away we can at least assume that the inexperienced driver miss judged the distance between his vehicle and the minivan. The warning "Objects in the mirror was closer than they appear" is a warning few teen drivers understand. 

Sadly the contributing factor was the Kenworth parked on the side of the interstate. Had the tractor and trailer not be on the side of the road there would have been no loss of life and perhaps only minor damage to both vehicles. Had contact between the SUV and Minivan occurred a second later they would not have impacted the disabled vehicle. 

Unfortunately vehicles on the shoulder of our interstates in Mecklenburg County are common and more so along 485. Abandoned vehicles are often left for days. Even has they have been tagged.  Additionally lane marking in this section of 485 are barely visible. 

Six Charlotte Juveniles Rob What They Thought was a Weed Store

Let's be clear you can't sell real weed in North Carolina lawfully, but there's this work around to Gummies and other "Hemp" like products that is totally legal.

The background 

Hemp and marijuana both come from the Cannabis sativa L. plant family. The primary difference is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) they contain. 

Here's a breakdown of the differences:

1. THC content

• Hemp: Contains 0.3% or less of THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) on a dry weight basis. This low level of THC means it is non-psychoactive and won't produce the "high" associated with marijuana.
• Marijuana: Contains more than 0.3% of THC. Some strains have 25% THC or more. This higher THC content causes the psychoactive effects. 

2. Legal status

• Hemp: Federally legal in the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill removed it from the Controlled Substances Act's definition of marijuana.
• Marijuana: Remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. Some states have legalized its medicinal or recreational use. 

So Apotheca Dispensaries a franchised brand sells hemp, kratom and mushroom products, and these little thug dumbasses apparently thought it was real weed.

According to CMPD:

On July 30, six juvenile males entered the Cannabis Dispensary at 1501 East Third Street, assaulted an employee and stole merchandise. 

Providence Division officers responded to the scene and obtained witness descriptions and a direction of travel for the suspects. The suspects were observed boarding the light rail train headed in the direction of the Transit Center.  With the assistance of the Real Time Crime Center, Central Division officers, K9 and Professional Police Services, five of the six suspects were quickly apprehended. Officers recovered the stolen merchandise along with an airsoft pistol discarded by the suspects as they fled from the scene. 

The five juvenile suspects were interviewed by Providence Division detectives and were each charged with:

Common Law Robbery

Conspiracy to Commit Common Law Robbery

Resist, Delay, Obstruct

One suspect was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in reference to an unrelated secure custody order, and four suspects were released into the custody of their guardians. Through continued investigation, the sixth juvenile suspect was identified.

In North Carolina Juveniles are given special treatment. Their identities are hidden, their names are not disclosed and they are nearly always released to the custody of their parents.

These six should have been charged with armed robbery even if the gun was not real. Had the owners been armed they would have every right to eliminate the treat and we would have another sad story to tell.

The problem is charging them with armed robbery makes the crime a class "D" felony and puts it on the violent crimes list. The crimes stats in Charlotte are no more real than the mugshots in this story.