CMPD Officer Arrested

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police (CMPD) officer, Malcolm Joseph, was arrested Friday night and charged with simple assault after allegedly pushing "Teen" Evan Brown age 17 off his bicycle in Uptown Charlotte. Brown and a group of "teens" were apparently riding recklessly and disrupting traffic.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m., Friday morning leaving the cyclist with a scratches on his wrist, back  and a bruised elbow.

Evan Brown told a local news media outlet that he "and some friends were riding bikes and then popped some wheelies."

That apparently got Officer Joseph’s attention, and the officer allegedly parked very close to the teen.

Evan Brown told the news reporter: “He pulls in there, stops his car, he opens his door, and just like that, he tackles me pretty much”.

Apparently the teen was recording their antics so the local news aired a shaky video where  you can hear Evan ask “Can I get your name and badge number? I was literally riding a bike down the street, and you decided to push me over”.

Then Officer Joseph is heard saying “It’s all on camera, bro; you all are doing wheelies all through the traffic. It’s lawful because I can catch you while you all are in traffic; you all are doing reckless driving.”

CMPD’s Criminal Investigations Bureau launched an investigation into the incident. After Officer Joseph voluntarily met with detectives, investigators obtained a warrant charging him with simple assault.

CMPD’s Internal Affairs Division is also conducting a separate administrative investigation. Joseph has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of that investigation.

Department records show Joseph joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on Sept. 3, 2024, and is assigned to the Central Division.

Despite turning himself in and being a Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Officer, Meck Co Magistrate Blackwell set the Officer’s bond at $2,500 secured because he lives in Rock Hill and is considered a flight risk. The Officer was finally released after 2 a.m. Saturday morning.

CMPD Chief Patterson:

"No one is above the law, especially those of us entrusted to uphold it. The alleged actions of this individual are troubling and does not reflect the values of our organization. CMPD is committed to building community trust through transparency and accountability.” 

CMPD Affidavit:

On June 17, 2026 around 0210 hours the victim, Evan Brown, called 911 and reported that he was assaulted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer. The victim stated that he was riding bicycle in the Uptown Charlotte area with group of friends when they passed two police vehicles that had their lights on and were stopped on the road for traffic stop with a vehicle. The victim stated that several of the people riding bikes with him were doing "wheelies" in the roadway as they drove by the officers. 

The victim stated that he and his friends continued riding and turned down side street to go to where their cars were parked. He stated that police vehicle suddenly drove past him, stopped, and then the officer got out of the car. The victim stated that the officer said something and then shoved him while he was riding the bicycle causing him to fall off onto the pavement and scrape his back and hit his head. 

The victim stated that he did not do anything to the officer or say anything to him prior to getting shoved.

The victim advised that the officer did not arrest him or detain him. He stated that the officer was upset about the group riding and doing wheelies. The victim advised the officer asked him for his name and age. The victim stated that he told the officer his name was Evan and that he was 17 years old. The victim advised that the officer was "trash talking" him and his friends.

Sgt. Reno with CMPD responded out to 407 W. Palmer St. where the incident took place. Sgt. Reno spoke with the victim in person who told him the above information. The victim informed Sgt. Reno that he did not do anything wrong or speak to the officer at all and got shoved off his bike for no reason. The victim stated that he wanted to press charges.

The victim had several larges scrapes on his hip, upper back area, and arm. The victim also stated that he had knot on the back of his head. Photos were taken of the victim. He also provided short video from his cell phone which showed his interaction with the officer after the assault. In the video the officer told the victim his code number was 7735 and that he was Officer Joseph.

CMPD Detectives began investigating the incident and viewed Body Worn Camera video from Officer Malcolm Joseph. The BWC showed Officer Joseph standing in the roadway on S. Mint Street assisting with crash. Several people can be seen riding bicycles in the background and making noise. Officer Joseph entered his patrol vehicle, made U-Turn and followed the bicycle riders. Officer Joseph pulled onto W. Palmer St., stopped his vehicle, and opened the door. Officer Joseph said, "What's that hot shit y'all talking about?" and

shoved the victim as he was riding past the patrol vehicle. This caused the victim to flip off his bicycle and land very hard on the pavement. Officer Joseph then began to tell the victim and several other people that he watched them do wheelies through traffic. 

The victim stated that it was not him. Officer Joseph and the subjects in the area began talking back and forth about what happened and why he pushed the victim. Officer Joseph then got into his vehicle and left the area without taking any police action.

Detectives viewed BWC video from Officer Thompson who was the second officer on scene at the crash on S. Mint St. After the incident Officer Joseph pulled up to Officer Thompson and said, "I caught one of them motherfuckers and pushed him off his bike."

Detectives conducted an interview with the victim who confirmed the same story that he told Sgt. Reno. The victim stated that the officer never put his flashing lights on or his siren to try to stop them. The victim stated that he had no interaction with the officer prior to being shoved.

Detectives also interviewed witness who stated that he observed a police vehicle with steady blue lights on pull onto W. Palmer St. The witness stated that he saw an officer step out of the patrol vehicle and shove the victim which caused him to fly off the bicycle that he was riding. 

The witness stated that he did not see the victim do anything wrong. The witness stated that the officer did not have flashing lights or siren on.

Detectives interviewed Officer Joseph about the incident. Officer Joseph admitted to shoving the victim and stated that he felt like he assaulted the victim.

Based statements from the victim, witness, and officers, and based on the BWC video which clearly showed Officer Joseph shove the victim without provocation which caused injury, Detectives believe probable

se exists for Simple Assault.

Cedar's Take:

We have a group of  "Teens" doing wheelies Uptown in traffic at 2:00 a.m. and a CMPD Officer trying to restore order Uptown dealing with parentless mini thugs. 

While the above image is AI - who hasn’t encountered homeless and drunks and teens on bicycles Uptown and wanted to do the same?

So what's up with this? Active suspension without pay. Seriously? CMPD is down how may Officers? 

Atlanta has an authorized force of 2,200 and a population of 550,000

Boston has 2,500 and a population of 675,000

Charlotte 1,400 and our population is over 900,000

Charloot is so cooked.

And this is not exactly a great recruiting tool.

Seriously WTF?

Officer Smith Poem AI Generated

AI is troubling. But beyond faked Iran photos there's this. I asked "Google" to give me the poem that is inscribed on the CMPD Officer Robert L. Smith Memorial at the Mecklenburg County Park. Instead of giving me the text of the poem on the front of the granite monument it generated the following poem.

This is AI generated:

Here is a poem dedicated to the memory of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Robert Louis Smith, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The quiet streets of Charlotte slept,
While in the dark a vigil kept.
Young Robert walked the midnight line,
Where duty's call and courage shine.

With flashlight raised to pierce the gloom,
He faced the sudden, crashing doom.
A rifle's roar, a sudden spark,
A hero taken in the dark.

For seven years he held the shield,
And swore that he would never yield.
Though only twenty-seven years,
His loss remains through passing tears.

Let Mecklenburg remember well,
The brave who in the shadows fell.
A memory bright, a guiding light,
A guardian of the Carolina night.

Officer Smith's sacrifice continues to be honored alongside other fallen heroes, ensuring his seven years of service to the Charlotte community are never forgotten.

Everything above is AI generated with zero input.

Incarceration Saves Lives

Last year on April 10, 2025, Jeremiah Lee Cunningham age 21 was released from the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. He had been held since his arrest on domestic violence charges on March 8, 2025.

Less than 2 hours after his release he was gunned down in the middle of the afternoon in an apartment parking lot at 7128 Wallace Road in southeast Charlotte. 

                                   

Life in Charlotte's Independence Division is cheap as the judge who reduced Cunningham's bail signed his death warrant. 

But the madness doesn't stop there.

CMPD Officers responded to the crime scene last year and quickly made an arrest.

Now a little more than a year later the 21 year old's killer Jamykel Blackmon is back on Charlotte's streets.

The charges against the aledged killer Blackmon have been dismissed.

But it doesn't stop there, the Mecklenburg County DA also dismissed the 2022 arrest for hit and run as was the charge of reckless driving to endanger.

Also unrelated to the shooting death of Cunningham. Additional charges brought against Blackmon for discharging a weapon inside city limits 2 counts of Carrying a Concealed Gun, were also dismissed.

More about the murder and the DA's reasoning for the dismissal below.

CMPD Affidavit:

On April 10 2025, at 1219 hours, Independence Division Officers responded to an assault with deadly weapon with injury call for service at 7128 Wallace Road. 

The 911 caller advised that they heard to gunshots and could see male lying on the ground. Upon arrival, Officers located the victim, Jeremiah Lee Cunningham (B/M, 03/05/2004), with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased by Medic Smith at 1230 hours. 

Detectives processed the scene, which was the parking lot at 7128 Wallace Road. Detectives located discharged cartridge cases and found that the victim was on CMPD Electronic Monitoring. The victim was released from jail, placed on the monitor, and arrived at the location. 

Detectives spoke with Citizen 1, who was identified, that stated that they were in the parking lot when the incident occurred. Citizen stated that they heard the gunshots and saw a young B/M wearing black skull cap holding firearm.

Detectives spoke with Citizen 2, who was identified, that stated the description provided by Citizen was that of an individual that lived in 7128 Wallace Road, Apartment F, which is on the second floor of the building.

Citizen is familiar with the residents in 7128 Wallace Road. Citizen explained that this individual is the oldest son of the leaseholder and prior to the murder, Citizen saw this individual wearing black and red beanie.

Detectives spoke with Citizen 3, who was identified, that stated that after the shooting they heard someone run up the stairs to the second floor.

Detectives reviewed the victim's history and found that his home address while on CMPD Electronic Monitoring Wallace Road, Apartment F.  The victim was arrested at this address on 3/8/2025. Detectives

reviewed the BWC from that arrest and found that officers spoke to an individual that was wearing black and red beanie. That individual identified themselves as Jamykel Blackmon.

Detectives researched the leaseholder for 7128 Wallace Road, Apartment F. Birth records show that Jamykel Blackmon (B/M, 7/12/2005)is the oldest son of the leaseholder. Additionally, Jamykel Blackmon has outstanding OFAs which list his home address was 7128 Wallace Road, Apartment F. 

Detectives received a Crime Stoppers Tips regarding this investigation. One tip explained that the shooter was the son of the leaseholder for 7128 Wallace Road, Apartment F. The second tip provided his name and an a arrest photograph for Blackmon.

Based upon the facts, detectives are seeking the charge of First Degree Murder on Jamykel Blackmon.

                    

Mecklenburg DA's decision to dismiss the charge of murder.

On April 10, 2025, Jeremiah Cunningham was fatally shot and killed in the Wallace Wood Apartments parking lot soon after 12:00 PM. Police were called by apartment residents who did not report witnessing the actual shooting, but heard gunshots. The apartment complex did not have any working surveillance cameras at the time.

Police spoke with multiple witnesses. Many witnesses only reported hearing shots and seeing group of people run away from where the victim was ultimately located. One witness reported being outside with that group, but told police she did not see who shot Mr. Cunningham. 

Another witness, a cab driver, initially told police she didn't see anything and then later reported being witness to the shooting. 

In later statements, this witness reported seeing young black man run away from the shooting scene holding firearm. She was able to give basic clothing description. This witness told police this man she saw holding gun helped her with clothing earlier in the day and that her daughter said that man who helped with clothing was man who lived in apartment in building 7128. 

However, when the cab driver was shown picture of the defendant, she stated she did not recognize him. Police confirmed the defendant lived in Apt. through housing authority and birth records.

Police searched Apt. and were not able to locate a firearm. At least one other black man lived in the apartment at the time of the murder and search, Defendant did make statement on recorded jail call that he shot Mr. Cunningham in self-defense. 

Without the defendant's statement on recorded jail call, the State could not prove beyond reasonable doubt his identity as the perpetrator of the murder of Jeremiah Cunningham. 

If the State were to admit the defendant's jail call at trial,

it would then require the jury be instructed on the law of self-defense. 

At trial of this matter, the State would have the burden of proving beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant did not act in self-defense. 

No witness to the shooting or events leading up to the shooting has been located and, based upon the other available witness statements, the State at this time cannot disprove the defendant's claim of self-defense in this shooting.

Based on the foregoing, the State does not have reasonable likelihood of success at trial and cannot meet its burden of proving the defendant guilty beyond reasonable doubt of this offense.

Manchette Attacker Kills 5 Year-Old Son

Jehaaz-Akil Kaliq Echoles was charged on July 9, 2026 with murder by Pineville, North Carolina Police Officers.

 Jehaaz-Akil Echoles Photo Courtesy MCSO

He was out on bail on a previous DV charges from earlier this year.

The details are disturbing. Just after midnight a woman identified as Shakira Schenck, total Pineville Police that the father of her child, (Jehaaz-Akil Echoles age 5), broke her front door down and forced entry into her residence. (Jehaaz-Akil does not live at the residence). He then entered his sons room and shut the door. She stated she heard commotion and when she opened the door, Jehaaz-Akil fled from the room and out of the apartment. She observed that her son was bleeding and was unresponsive. The boy was transported to Atrium Health Pineville, where he was pronounced deceased. The wounds on the victim appear to have been done using some type of edged weapon. He had multiple wounds to his neck, head, and arms. With the assistance of CMPD, Jehaaz-Akil was located at a Taco Bell in Pineville and was he was taken into custody and transported to the Pineville Police Department. He requested an attorney and did not speak with officers.

According to sources Echoles forced his way into the former girl friend's apartment a with the intent of attacking the child. His weapon some sort of manchette. When Pineville Officers arrived the mother was standing in the parking lot holding the 5 year old. Police did not wait for Medic and elected to take the child to Atrium Pineville in their unit. The child did not survive.

Echoles has a history of violence with a prior conviction and 2 recent attacks on two other women from earlier in 2026 as well as an arrest Assault in Gaston County. While he was given a $5,000 bond in the most recent case it was processed through Pre-Trial Release and thereby unsecured. This was agreed to by the Meck DA's Office.

But now the DA's opinion of Echoles has changed:

"According to the district attorney defendant has pending offenses for domestic violence and one prior conviction of assault on female. The facts of the case are significantly disturbing. Defendant is presumed to be held on no bond due to the nature of the offense. Defendant is significant risk to the community. Defendant is significant danger and shall be held without bond. The presumption has not been overcome." Meck County Deputy Clerk of Superior Court for Judge Jonathan Rex Marvel

Cedar's Take:

Somewhere beyond the second or third arrest within 3 years the courts need to accept the pattern and stop releasing violent suspects. This clown had a history of violence attacking 2 other women over the last 3 months. Incarceration saves lives.

Positive News - Charlotte Police Officer Robert L. Smith Park

The good folks at Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation have delivered on their promise to repair the Officer Robert L. Smith Memorial at the county's Robert L. Smith Park located at 1604 Little Rock Road.

The monument had been damaged a couple years ago during the George Floyd Protests and sadly no one noticed. Thank you to the following: Chris Hunter - Superintendent Park and Recreation Susan Rodriguez-McDowell - Mecklenburg County Commissioner Dan Redford - Charlotte FOP Lodge 9 President Everyone who reposted, commented and liked the original post on "X" and here on Cedar Post's Meckburbia.

Officer Robert Louis Smith E.O.W. January 15, 1987

"Rest easy brother, we have the watch."

The original post is here: Charlotte Police Officer Robert L. Smith Park

Black Rage The Fatigue Is Real

Facts have been slow to be released in the Taylor Sylver murder that Adaysia Yahel Coles is now charged with.

According to CMPD on May 21, 2026, just after 2 a.m. Officers responded to North Davidson Street in reference to an ADW call for service. 

Upon arrival, they located the victim, Taylor Sylver (DOB: 10/26/1987) with an apparent gunshot wound. 

Taylor Sylver

The victim was transported to Atrium Main where she was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. 

Detectives spoke with witnesses at the scene who advised that the victim and defendant had gotten into physical altercation after leaving a bar at 3205 North Davidson Street.

3205 North Davidson Street NoDa 101 Bar

The parties separated and walked to their respective vehicles. While the victim was at her vehicle, the defendant drove up beside her and shot her once at close range. 

The witnesses told police that the driver of the car was the shooter and recognized her from the previous altercation.

Detectives went to the bar located at 3205 N. Davidson Street and obtained surveillance footage. They also obtained time stamped list of everyone who entered the bar. 

The defendant is on video having her ID card. The photo on the ID matched the defendant in the video. 

The defendant also has registered 2021 Honda Accord that matches the vehicle in the surveillance video.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Murder on the suspect, Adaysia Coles (DOB: 7/26/1999). On May 21, 2026, Coles was arrested in Bessemer, Alabama.

Adaysia Yahel Coles Photo Courtesy Jefferson County Alabama Jail

After the arrest, detectives spoke with a witness who is known to law enforcement who advised that Coles told them about the shooting and said the firearm that she used was inside the apartment located at 8505 Dahlia Drive #208, Charlotte NC 28213. 

Detectives reviewed traffic cameras and were able to follow Coles vehicle after the shooting to the area of Old Concord Road near East W T Harris Blvd. The apartment on Dahlia Drive is in close proximity to that intersection, and detectives believe that Coles went straight from the shooting scene to that apartment.

CMPD Detectives obtained a search warrant based upon the facts and circumstances, and offered that there was probable cause that a murder occurred, and that evidence of that murder would be contained within 8505 Dahlia Drive Apartment 208, Charlotte NC 28213.

At that location the following items were seized: 

Box Federal 9mm Luger Ammo 

Blue holster 

Ruger 9mm Serial# 46244077 

Black loaded magazine

Live round Federal 9mm Luger Ammo

Coles is now in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center being held without bond. 

Cedar's Take:

I'm not sure how it started or how to fix it, but the truth is the African American community has become a culture of violence, embracing criminality and gun play. Shooting another person is now an accepted way of life within the Black Community.

"Busting a Cap Up Side You Head" is apparently the normal response to bumping into someone while exiting a bar in NoDa at closing time.

But Black culture and violence is nothing new. 

In 1992 "Ice-T" (Tracy Lauren Marrow) released “Cop Killer” as the last track on Body Count’s self-titled debut LP. In it, the protagonist takes matters of perceived police brutality into his own hands by fighting fire with fire: killing police officers.

The song came about during a band rehearsal when Ice-T was singing the Talking Heads song “Psycho Killer” and original drummer Beatmaster V suggested writing about getting revenge for police brutality.

The lyrics sparked outrage:

I got my black shirt on

I got my black gloves on

I got my ski mask on

This shit's been too long

I got my twelve gauge sawed off

I got my headlights turned off

I'm 'bout to bust some shots off

I'm 'bout to dust some cops off

Marrow would go on to other things and move beyond rap. 

Ice-T's best and most iconic TV role is his legendary portrayal of Detective/Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Joining the show in 2000 during its second season, he has become one of the longest-running and most respected characters in television history.

(Now Mike Post's Love and Order theme song including the dun dum is playing in your head, sorry.)

But when did it become normal for Black women to shoot each other over just words?  When did African Americans decide it's ok lose self-control and riot on cruise ships, Five Guys or Walmarts? Why have "teens" decided running wild in the streets is acceptable way to spend Saturday night?

From all reports Coles and Sylver did not know each other. Was Coles' life so bad that she just tossed it all away over some perceived disrespect? Or is this a much deeper social issue within Black America?

Why Are Meck Judges and the Meck DA Dismissing Charges Against Dangerous Felons?

Officer involved shooting shuts down Charlotte’s North Tryon Street on Saturday.

CMPD says the Suspect Jarod Lewis Starks has been charged with:

Felony Assault with a Firearm on a Government Official

Possession of a Firearm by Felon

Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle

Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill (3 Counts)

Attempted Armed Robbery

Going Armed to the Terror of the public

Starks Photo Courtesy MCSO

But here is were things get interesting. Starks was just released from jail four days ago on Auto Theft and Possession of a Stolen Auto charges. The apparent reason was Starks was released is that Judge RODERICK GLENN DAVIS dismissed the charges on June 3rd.

Starks was released June 16th after the Meck DA refused to recharge Starks on the auto theft. 

Seems Starks stole a Black Honda Civic on May 12, 0226 around 2:30 a.m. Later that day a License Plate Reader picked up the car on Idlewild Road around 8:00 p.m.

CMPD Officers made a traffic stop on the stolen car and determined that the driver was Starks who was wearing the same clothes as the suspect a the video seen leaving with the stolen car from the victim's driveway in the early morning hours, that same day.

Mr. Starks guilt is further implicated in that he was on parole and had an electronic monitor that was active and placed him at the victim's home at 2:30 a.m.

Less than a month later the charges are dropped and Starks is once again released from jail.

We don't know why the the judge dismissed the charges against Mr. Starks or if the Meck County DA dropped the charges his reasoning for that. 

Mecklenburg County DA Spencer Merriweather

We do know Starks was paroled on February 1, 2026 after serving 7 years and 3 months in prison.

CMPD Affidavit:

On June 20th, 2026, Victim was operating his gray 2015 Nissan Rogue on the 2300 block of Tryon Street when a black male wearing white shirt, beige pants, with black firearm pointed the firearm at the victim and confronted him asking him for his car. 

The victim feared for his life and sped off. As he sped off, he observed the suspect point the firearm at his car and fire at least one round.

Shortly after, a Victim was pulling out of the parking lot of 2310 Tryon Street in his 2010 Chrysler Sebring when he observed the same black male walking towards his car, point firearm at his car, and fire. 

The Sebring was struck once in the left rear tire. Victim was in the passenger seat of the vehicle when this occurred.

Victim called 911 and an officer responded. Upon arrival of the officer, the Victim observed the suspect approaching with his arms folded and pointed him out to the officer. The officer confronted the suspect. 

As the officer gave verbal commands to the suspect, the suspect unfolded his arms revealing firearm and pointed it at the officer. The officer discharged his firearm towards the suspect which caused him to then flee.

The suspect fled and hid in nearby building prior to surrendering. 

Upon search of the building, officers located black Ruger .380 in the building. Additionally .380 casings were located on the scene where the suspect was observed shooting.

Detectives spoke with witnesses who observed the suspect walking on the sidewalk and shooting into traffic multiple times. The witnesses feared for their lives and took shelter in a nearby building.

Starks, is a convicted felon in the state of North Carolina. On November 11, 2018, Starks was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, Class Felony with maximum punishment of 88 months. Starks pled guilty on August 12, 2020 in Mecklenburg County Superior Court and was sentenced to 87 to 117 months.

Cedar's Take

We don't know why the the judge dismissed the charges against Mr. Starks or if the Meck County DA dropped the charges or his reasoning for that. 

Mecklenburg County Judge Roderick Glenn Davis

We do know Starks was paroled on February 1, 2026 after serving  7 years and 3 months in prison.

Saturday's shooting could have ended tragically.

Meck Co DA Merriweather and Judge have some explaining to do. Thankfully we aren't making plans to attend the funeral of a CMPD Officer or some innocent bystander.