CMPD Officer Shot Suspect Arrested

From CMPD:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, July 6, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting an Officer-Involved Shooting investigation in the 600 block of North Church Street in the Central Division.

On Sunday, July 6, shortly before 6:15 a.m., an off-duty CMPD officer responded to a disturbance in the 600 block of North Church Street. Upon arrival, a physical altercation occurred between the officer and the suspect. During the altercation, a firearm was discharged and the officer was shot in the leg. The suspect then fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after.

The officer was quickly treated on scene by responding officers before he was transported to an area hospital to undergo surgery. He is currently in serious but stable condition.

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, the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, Victim Services, MEDIC and CFD also responded to assist.

DEMETRUIS TAQUAN BRISTOW was been charged with attempted first degree murder in the shooting of a CMPD Officer.

Demetruis Bristow Photo Courtesy MCSO

The Gastonia resident is charged as follows:

ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER

ASSAULT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER RESULTIING IN SERIOUS INJURY 

ASSAULT LEO/PO W/FIREARM

AWDW INTENT TO KILL

MALICIOUS CONDUCT BY PRISONER/THROW

ASSAULT ON FEMALE

RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER

ASSAULT GOVT OFFICIAL/EMPLY

Additionally Bristow was arrested on 3 outstanding warrants.

Yet what happens to him in Mecklenburg County will be nothing like Johnston, Wake and Cabarrus Counties were his failure to appear on drug, weapons and traffic charges have cost bail bondmen thousands. 

Given Mecklenburg DA's in ability to remove violent felons from society he'll only have a short stay before he's released. Maybe this time the impoten DA and spineless Judges will see things differently?

Finally, Cedar Posts will not release the the name of the Officer until he has been released from the hospital or his name is made public by the CMPD PIO, but offer prayers for a full recovery. 

Update:

According to sources the incident began with Briston attacking Aniyah Simone Porter by "grabbing her face", Then when the Officer arrived the altercation escalated. Bristow who only stands 5'4'' weighing just 125 pounds managed to either cause the Officer's weapon to discharge or somehow took the Officer's weapon and managed to take a shot striking the Officer in the leg.

CMPD Officers in the area were able to quickly spot the suspect and take him into custody. 

UPDATE:

This was really close, here's the official court document edited with the Officer's name redacted.

On July 6, 2025 at 0608 hours Domestic Violence-Physical Assault was reported at 640 North Church St (The Ascher Uptown Apartments) by the witness. 

The witness reported that (a) male was assaulting (a) female at the location.

The witness met with detectives and provided a statement.

The witness stated that before the incident occurred the suspect was in-the lobby of the apartments drinking alcohol and asked to use the phone to call for a ride. The witness stated that the suspect called his girlfriend and was yelling, cursing, and threatening her over the phone. 

The witness stated that when the suspect's girlfriend arrived, the suspect got into the vehicle occupied by the girlfriend, and-he observed the suspect assaulting the girlfriend. 

The witness stated that during the reported physical assault he observed a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer walking from the garage to the location. 

The witness stated that he flagged down OFFICER and informed him of the physical-assault in progress on the property. 

The witness stated that OFFICER got on his phone to call for assistance and then went to intervene in the altercation. The witness stated that OFFICER identified himself as law enforcement officer and tried to calm down the suspect. 

OFFICER continued to try and talk the suspect out of the vehicle. 

The witness stated that the suspect got out of the vehicle and that OFFICER remained calm. The witness stated that the suspect then slapped OFFICER's phone out of his hand and began striking him multiple times. The witness stated that he saw firearm in the hands of the suspect after he heard multiple gunshots and saw blood on the ground. The witness stated that the suspect was leaning over the OFFICER and then fled the scene. 

OFFICER was operating in his official duties as law enforcement officer by responding to a domestic violence call for service.

The witness provided suspect description and stated that he was wearing backpack. Officers observed the suspect who matched the description provided by communications. Officers observed the suspect attempt to get (a) ride from a citizen. 

When officers attempted to approach the suspect, the suspect fled on foot. 

Officers gave the suspect loud verbal commands to show his hands. The suspect refused and jumped fence continuing to flee on foot. 

The suspect was located and apprehended. Before the suspect was apprehended, he discarded (the) backpack. The backpack was located, and search warrant was obtained. 

During the search of the backpack a handgun was located. The suspect was wearing two socks that were saturated in blood.

Suspect was arrested for resist, obstruct, and delay. 

The suspect was handcuffed behind his back and placed in the rear-of marked patrol vehicle. The suspect then moved his handcuffed hands from his back to his front. The suspect proceeded to remove the socks from his feet. The suspect then threw one sock saturated with blood at Officer C.S. Waller.

Officer Waller then proceeded to walk around to the other side of the marked patrol vehicle to attempt to restrain the suspect, at which point the suspect threw an additional sock saturated with blood at Waller. 

During the suspect's arrest he made voluntary Utterance that the blood on his socks was his. The blood on the suspect's socks matched blood on' the socks of the suspect who shot OFFICER on video

surveillance.

The mother of the suspect provided statement to detectives. During the interview, the mother positively identified the suspect on still images captured from the scene. The mother stated that she was called by the suspect's girlfriend and informed of the domestic assault and that the suspect was involved in an altercation with an officer at the incident location.

OFFICER sustained one gunshot wound to his leg that caused mass blood loss (enough) for him to lose consciousness multiple times. OFFICER was transported to the hospital and went into immediate surgery. 

OFFICER's current medical condition is stable/critical condition.

Detectives viewed and collected video surveillance of the incident which corroborated the statement provided by the witness. 

During review of the video surveillance which includes audio, three gunshots can be heard. Detectives and Crime Scene processed the scene. Three discharged cartridge casings were located, as well as multiple projectiles.

The suspect's girlfriend provided statement to detectives. The girlfriend stated that during an argument with the suspect, the suspect grabbed her in the face. 

The girlfriend confirmed that male approached the vehicle in an attempt to intervene and stop the assault. She advised that when the suspect got into physical altercation with the male, she drove away with her friend. The suspect's girlfriend stated that she had been in long-term relationship with the suspect.

The suspect was interviewed by detectives. The suspect agreed to waive his written Miranda.warnings and speak with detectives. The suspect gave admissions to the above listed charges.

Based on the above facts and circumstances, there is probable cause that Demetruis Taquan Bristow (B/M, 01/12/2005) did commit Attempted First Degree Murder; ADWIK X2, RDO, Malicious Conduct by Prisoner X2, Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury on LEO, Assault with Firearm ona LEO, Assault on Government Official and Assault on Female.

Update:

At a court hearing this morning (Monday July 7, 2025) Judge Roy Wiggins denied bond and so Bristow will remain behind bars. His next court date is July 25, 2025.

Update:

The CMPD Officer remains hospitalized. Overnight his medical team moved him to the ICU due to complications. 

Our prayers continue. 

July 4th No Official Fireworks But Madness Just the Same

Friday July 4th our Independence Day is the national holiday. But because the Charlotte Knights would wrap a 4 game stand against the Durham Bulls on Thursday and not play at home again until July 18th, WBT's "Skyshow" fireworks was moved up a day.

Odd that the Nation's 14th largest city would not celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.  Makes about as much sense as having New Year's eve on January 3rd because it's a Saturday.

But leave it to "Black Charloot" to keep it real and descend on Uptown like a swarm of locusts as if there were planned celebrations. Maybe they didn't get the notice?

They did however show up by the bus load. Who needs professional fireworks when you have guns, weed, roman candles and firecrackers?

What occurred was total chaos and it all descended on Romare Bearden Park. Fights, gunfire, explosions and traffic jams. 

The official Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department statement:

CMPD Manages Crowds in Uptown Charlotte on July 4th

Charlotte, NC – (Saturday, July 5, 2025) 

On the evening of July 4, numerous people gathered in and around the 300 block of South Church Street, Romare Bearden Park, despite no official events being planned.  The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) was prepared with resources to manage any situation arising from the influx of visitors.

Throughout the evening, CMPD officers worked diligently to manage the crowds and maintain order.

There were a total of 15 arrests, seven adults and eight juveniles.  Additionally, 10 firearms were seized during these arrests. 

The following adult suspects were arrested:

Khalil Delaney, 18, is charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun), Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana and Resisting Public Officer

Don-Nell Greene, 20, is charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun), Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Pyrotechnics/Fireworks and Resisting Public Officer

Russell Matthews Jr., 20, is charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun), Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Jadarius Miller, 26, is charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun) and Possession of Marijuana

Tommie Glinsey, 26, is charged with Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Gun), Shooting in the City Limits, Felony Conspiracy and Misdemeanor Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Kamron Mason, 31, is charged with Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Gun), Shooting in the City Limits, Felony Conspiracy, Misdemeanor Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Firearm by Felon and Possession of Stolen Firearm

Carell Scipio, 42, is charged with Possession of Marijuana and Resisting Public Officer

The eight juveniles who were arrested ranged in age from 14 to 17 years old.  Their charges include violating the Youth Protection Ordinance, Possession of Stolen Firearm, Possession of Handgun by Minor, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Public Officer, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Two officers were injured during the arrest of one of the subjects.  One officer was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.  The other officer was evaluated on scene by MEDIC and assessed with minor injuries.

Partnerships with the Charlotte Fire Department, MEDIC, CATS, CDOT, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation and Mecklenburg County Emergency Management were critical in managing the influx of visitors.  Event operations were coordinated from the CMPD command center, which was operational from 5 p.m. on Friday, July 4, to 1 a.m. on Saturday, July 5.

CMPD appreciates the hard work of its officers and thanks all public safety partners for their collaboration. 

But the arrests didn't stop at 12 Midnight:.

Other arrests for weapons processed on July 5th:

Dennis Marvin Day

Wesley Beamon

Jvonta James Dixon

Cedrick Roary

Charlie Ellis Williams

The death of uptown continues thanks to Vi Lyles, Charlotte City Council.

Unfortunate Double Homicide Start To The July 4th Weekend

CMPD posted the following early this afternoon:

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 7300 block of Pebblestone Drive in the Independence Division.

On Wednesday, July 2, shortly after 12:00 p.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon with injuries call for service in the 7300 block of Pebblestone Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals had sustained gunshot wounds and both were pronounced deceased by MEDIC at the scene.

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 CFD also assisted.

According to local media:

Two people were shot and killed in southeast Charlotte on Wednesday, Medic confirmed. 

Multiple crews responded to a reported shooting at an apartment complex on Pebblestone Drive, which is just off East Independence Boulevard and Village Lake Drive. 

Medic confirmed two people were pronounced dead at the scene. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police detectives say they aren't looking for any suspects at this time. 

No suspects which basically code speak for murder / suicide. 

7348 C Pebblestone Drive is a townhome in the Village Lake Drive area between Monroe Road and Independence Blvd.

Once a sought after address Village Lake like it's sister property Sharon Lakes off of South Blvd was developed in the 1980s with rapid success but a demographic shift beginning in 2000 led to ever declining property values which have rebounded based on a 2023 County Wide Revaluation. More as it develops .

They All Have Guns

The murder of 15 year old Avion Dingle over the weekend is so normal for Charloot that the news media has already moved on to bigger stories. 

It's no big deal because they all have guns and violence within the "Black Community" is just a fact of life. The African American Community has become a Culture of Violence, Embracing Criminality and Gun Play as a way of life.

Glamorized in rap and hip hop music and endless video clips on facebook, instagram and tiktok 

I have family members with CMPD who echo the same thing about Black kids "they all have guns" and they offer a cautionary warning "don't ever think they don't".

The reason is having a gun is the deal, a status symbol and point of pride and power. Call it whatever you like having a Glock is "straight fire," or "dope," maybe even "on fleek," def "lit," "Gucci," and maybe even "savage" you don't have a gun? Well then you sus.

Today a 15 year old's dead body is being treated to a full examination by the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office and later the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) will sign off on the cause of death. Extreme sudden unexpected ventilation and leakage of necessary fluids.

Thomas D. Owens, M.D., is the director and chief forensic pathologist of the Mecklenburg County Examiner’s Office. He is responsible for supervising forensic examinations, autopsies, and death investigations in Mecklenburg County and he's about as creepy as you can find outside of Hollywood.

15 Year old Avion Dingle (Walker) will be laid out of a metal collection table and then he'll be gutted like a trout. His brain will be removed and his heart dissected then they will staple him back together and deliver his body to a mortuary assigned the task of putting him back together as much as possible so that his family members can grieve properly.   

We can stop the madness. But it is going to take more than "violence interrupters" and crying MOMO mommies. Forget stoic messages from parents and clergy. The standard he was a good boy will be echoed over and over again.

It is way past time to fix this. These mini thugs have guns because it is considered cool, a status symbol and ridin with a bunch of your friends that have guns has become the equivalent of sitting at  the cool kids table in the school lunchroom.

Let's fix this.

Democrats have let us all down. The courts and law enforcement need to get serious, if you have a gun and shouldn't even the first offense it should mean one year jail time. The second time automatic five years. Felon with a gun ten year automatic. 

Stolen gun double the sentence. 

Modified weapon triple the sentence.

Ridin with a gun even if it is not yours automatic jail time. Hanging out with friends with guns even on the street everyone goes to jail.

Get arrested with a gun no bail. 

We need to make it where black kids no longer see having a gun as cool but rather the complete opposite and totally uncool. 

Look a the MCSO arrests over the weekend 16 black mugshots with weapons charges everyone one of them released inside 24 hours.

It should not be happening.

Time to end the madness.

Avion Dingle (Walker) 15

The first "X" Post was simple 

And hour or so later the CMPD press release:

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 1000 block of Merrick Street in the North Tryon Division.

On Thursday, June 26, shortly before 11:30 p.m., officers responded to multiple 911 calls related to shots fired in the 1000 block of Merrick Street. The investigation revealed that one individual had sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene by MEDIC.

1030 Merrick Street Charlotte, NC 

While CMPD gives a general block address, the  Atlas One APP gives both 1000 block of Merrick Street and 1030 Merrick Street.

The location is an apartment complex just off North Tryon Street.

Several hours later, a Local news station leads with:

"Suspect ‘wantonly’ fires into northeast Charlotte apartment, killing 15-year-old inside: CMPD"

A neighbor who did not wish to be identified said the 15-year-old had knocked on her door a few minutes before the shooting happened. She said he appeared to be running away from something before he died. This neighbor said the shooting happened inside the building, not from the outside.

Social media quickly names the victim as Avion Dingle who may be the same as a rising junior at Lincolnton High School.  

Amber Walker takes to social media says that is her son and that is not his name and demands the post naming Avion as the victim be taken down.

Rahmelle Dingle says that's his boy and now the crowd is arguing about several posts on Facebook, Charlotte Alerts and the National Gun Violence Memorial. 

Avion Dingle is listed as Class of 2027 at Lincolnton High School.  He would have turned 16 in November.

CMPD has yet to name any suspects or the victim. A week from now most of Charlotte will have moved on. The names are forgotten and the numbers fade and soon no one remembers the names any of the 30 shooting victims under the age of 18 in the Queen City.

This is Charloot at it's worst. This is the city that Charlotte Democrats have created. Lawless, cruel and with zero justice. 

Dontre Lamar Williams 24 Shot and Killed Tuesday

24-year-old Dontre Lamar Williams was found shot to death at a convenience store in east Charlotte on Tuesday evening, police said.

Dontre Lamar Williams 24 Photo Courtesy MCSO

CMPD says the shooting happened around 7:30 p.m. and when Medic arrived they pronounced Williams dead.

The endless cliches of the voice over by local reporter Jesse Pierre trying her best to add drama to the senseless killing:

"Another community shattered by gun violence, flashing blue lights and crime scene tape lining the block. Evidence markers placed where bullets landed. All of this a grim reminder of the violence that unfolded."

(She's of course an idiot. Evidence markers are placed at shell casings not bullets. Given the "letters" Williams didn't stand a chance).

A bouquet of flowers was placed where the gunfire erupted Tuesday evening the reporter goes on to say.

Wednesday, his loved ones remembering the friend they called Tre.

“Loving father, great friend and great person to be around,” Camari Simpson said  after setting the flowers down. "You could call him if you need anything."

A former teacher recalled Williams as kind.

"I do know he was one of the kids that always did the right thing and I know he loved his family very much," Jeremy Cox said.

News media in Charlotte is just god-awful.

Charloot's latest winner of a permanent "dirt nap" is Dontre Lamar Williams 24 who was gunned down on Milton Road Tuesday evening at the C-Store. It's had a 1/2 dozen names since 2000. This area of Charlotte near The Plaza between Eastway and WT Harris used to be solid middle class white it is now total hood which to this life long resident is amazing.

Despite my apparent callousness it really does trouble me. Nah who am I kidding? Charlotte City Council doesn't give a truck so why should you or I? CMPD won't even say his name after all crime is just a perception problem.

Williams was an alleged dealer and that Fast Mart was "his turf" he'd been arrested earlier this year and the charges were dismissed because that is what the standing order is in Mecklenburg County under the "Controlled Substance Policy". 

Meck DA  Mary Elledge requested the dismissal and it was agreed to by judge Mercer. William's blood is on their hands because incarceration saves lives. They are the reason this guy is dead.

Liberal democrat clowns on some affordable housing virtue signal bus tour turned Milton Road into Da Hood. In Five years the whole city will be like Memphis.

Charlotte City Council has been embracing density saturation for years as they allowed apartment developers unchecked to over build the apartment supply which led to lower housing costs which drove down property values. 

The white people who used to live in East Charlotte weren't stupid, they sold and moved to Cabarrus County.

Milton Road is like Crenshaw in LA (it has the same Latino - Black hood vibe). Stuck between LA proper and affluent Santa Monica Crenshaw was solid and safe white America then it saw a black migration in the 1970s and 1980s and with it white flight. "Boyz in the Hood" was filmed there.

Ditto to The Plaza and Milton Road migration and then white flight.

20 years ago Hidden Valley fell and then ten years later Milton Road was next.

Yeah this is personal not just because another young life wasted but because this hits home. Mrs Cedar used to live there when she was married to that Indy Football Coach who left Charlotte for Columbia because he too saw where things were headed. 

Charlotte City Council did it to the city they did it to us and they keep doing it.

Apartment vacancies went up, rent went down, crime went up. and white flight is fast. Charlotte's wedge of prosperity is rapidly disappearing. It used to be Eastway all the way to I-77. Then Independence to South Blvd. Now its Randolph to Park Road and even that's become a question mark. 

Mrs. Cedar's Indepence High School was once 90% white and totally middle class, now it's 43% Black, 29% White, 19% Asian, 6% Other. 

As for Williams he was an alleged dealer and that Fast Mart was "his turf" he'd been arrested earlier this year and the charges were dismissed because that is what the standing order is in Mecklenburg County under the "Controlled Substance Policy" by Meck DA  Mary Elledge and agreed to by judge Mercer. 

It's only a matter of time Charlotte will be like Memphis just without Elvis.

Y'all watch it happen but Elvis has left the building!

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.

They Live Among Us!

Once the crime scene is cleared and the yellow tape removed. Shortly after Charlotte Fire hosed down the blood stained parking lot and the headlines faded many of those arrested for their role in a homicide by CMPD are back on the streets. 

Many of those arrested will be released on a no bail program instituted by now retired Liberal Chief Judge Reagan Miller and continue to commit crimes of violence. 

Others are given a free passes by Mecklenburg DA Spencer Merriweather.

Furqan Grice and Anthony Goodson

Anthony Goodson Courtesy of MSCO

Ibn Ishamel Marshall and Anu'Bius Rashard Talib Smith were shot to death on February 27, 2019. 

On March 1, 2019 Furqan Bashir Grice and Anthony Goodson were both charged with murder in the double homicide. 

From a Local Television News Report: 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were called to the area of Morehead St. and Grandin Rd. around 9 p.m. Police said one victim was found in a parking lot, and two more were found in a car. Investigators believed all three victims were shot in the 600 block of Grandin Road, but two stayed inside the vehicle while the other ran down the street. 

Police said the victims were taken to the hospital where two of them died. There was no immediate word on the condition of the third person. 

The men who died were identified as 17-year-old Ibn Marshall and 18-year-old Anu'bius Smith. 

On Friday, CMPD announced that Furqan Grice, 18, and Anthony Goodson, 18, were arrested in connection with their murders. Grice was arrested Thursday and is facing two counts of first-degree murder. Goodson was arrested Friday and is in the process of being interviewed by homicide detectives. 

Two guns and some marijuana were found at the crime scene. Neighbors said the area is normally peaceful. Now they're dealing with a lost sense of security. 

Goodson was charged with 2 counts of First Degree Murder as was Grice.

But the Mecklenburg DA dismissed the murder charges and both would pled to "Robbery with a dangerous weapon (attempted)" and receive minimal sentences with a maximum of 6 years and 2 months.

Goodson was released from prison on May 12th of this year. Grice was released on December 8th of last year. Both are still within their one year parole period.

And they now once again live among us. 

Alvin Steele - Incarceration Saves Lives

This story is one that will soon be forgotten. But the stories like this are endless in Charlotte.

Alvin Steele was shot to death in a one star motel on Lucky Penny Street on March 31, 2025.

A yelp review of the "Charlotte Express Inn" reads: "If I could give this place negative stars I would! Dead cockroaches in the bathroom and a huge blood stain on the blanket with holes in it, broken furniture and stains on the couch! How on earth is this place $60 a night!" 

Steel was Charlotte's 37th homicide vic, but how did he end up on the list?

Alvin Steele was arrested in January of this year with a pile of traffic citations including no drivers license and well as weapons charges and he was held for less 24 hours before he was released on a minimal bail.

Alvin Steele Courtesy of MCSO

A month later he was arrested again and as before on weapons charges.

Alvin Steele Courtesy of MCSO

And of course let out again on a minimum bail despite his prior arrests and convictions.

Then the January case was dismissed because someone forgot to turn in the paperwork.

The two arrests earlier in 2025 were not Steele's first trip to jail. He had been arrested in April of 2022 on stolen property and weapons charges in Gaston County. He was then in August of that year given community service and probation.

He had also been arrested back in 2021 for a shooting which wounded 3 people including a 7 year old girl.

According to media reports on Tuesday March 31, 2021 police officers responded to a 911 call near a convenience store on Hovis Road around 3 p.m. During a news conference Wednesday, CMPD Maj. Brian Foley said two teenagers had been targeted and shot at from a vehicle. They ran to a nearby house for medical attention, Foley said. Additionally a seven year old girl in another car was hit by a bullet.

CMPD Chief Jonny Jennings spoke forcefully at the time about crime saying "the shooting of a seven year old girl tugs at his heart"

Less than 24 hours after the news media interviewed Chief Jennings about the little girl being shot. Steele was arrested and charged with AWDWIKISI.

But the chief's talk held little value with the district attorney's office. By August of that year, the Mecklenburg County ADA Alana Marie Byrnes would dismiss the charges against Steele citing lack of evidence.

Even prior to the shooting of the little girl Steele had been arrested. A 2018 arrest on drug charges was dismissed because of COVID-19 and there are others, all dismissed. 

On May 12 of 2025 Alvin’s Steele's life came to a sudden, but not unexpected end, at that cheap motel on Lucky Penny Street.

According to court documents, his girlfriend found him shot multiple times in his room, covered by a sheet and pillow.

Investigators said Tyler Minor, who was staying with the Alvin, called 911 and said he shot his friend.

Tyler Minor Photo Courtesy of MCSO

Minor’s father then tried to turn him in, but he jumped out of his car on the way to the police station. He was arrested on Wednesday and charged with murder.

Minor too has been recently arrested on drugs and weapons charges. The week before the murder of Steele a mecklenburg  county magistrate let him walk out of jail on a Pre-Trial Release agreement. In other words no bail despite the seriousness of the charges.

Police said the incident was sparked because of a girl. 

However, Alvin’s grandmother said she couldn’t make sense of this. “As a person, Alvin was loving. He loved animals, and he loved people. He was very loving, always respectful,” His grandmother would say.

“Just put the guns down, you know. If we have grievances, try to talk. Try to go to somebody, but we’ve got to put the guns down. I mean, we’re killing everybody,” said the 50 year old.

She added that said Alvin leaves behind two young daughters.

Minor remains in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sherriff's Department and has been denied bail. A trial date has not been set.

Cedar's Take:

Incarceration says lives. Multiple times there was a chance to prevent this murder and each time the system run by liberal judges, and district attorneys failed. 

On the positive side Minor's killing of Steele prevented Steele from killing someone else. 

But expect Minor is out before he's 25 and the process to start all over again.