CMPD Makes Arrests in Robberies Targeting Latinos
CHARLOTTE, NC — Four teenagers, armed with guns and a knife, involved in a string of violent robberies across Charlotte, targeting Latino victims.
Tonight, those teens are locked up after a traffic stop led to their arrests.
The crime spree lasted seven hours, with victims in seven locations from East to West Charlotte and along the I-77 corridor.
A victim we talked to feels safer tonight, knowing these armed criminals are off the streets.
“In the morning, broad daylight, we’re out there smoking a cigarette,” says the final victim in the robbery spree. “Next thing you know, here come four teenage kids with guns.”
The victim didn’t want to appear on camera, but his story was repeated seven times July 16th, during a string of violent armed robberies.
“They were targeting the Latino community,” says Sgt. Brian Scharf with CMPD. “They specifically targeted those areas.”
CMPD officers pulled over a car Thursday matching a description from the robberies, with three of the suspects they were looking for inside; young Hispanic males, all 18 or 19 years old. They also picked up a 15-year old suspect in a separate arrest.
The four are now charged with crimes ranging from armed robbery to attempted murder.
“Just a routine traffic stop turned into a really, really good arrest,” says Scharf. “And stopped a lot of violent activity.”
During the July 16th spree, the suspects stole more than $3,000 in cash from 12 victims along with cell phones, wallets, id’s, credit cards, jewelry and even the shoes off the last victim’s feet!
“Took my Jordans off me,” says the victim. “Took my Jordans off me. Took my wallet. Took my ID.”
Hector Vaca with Action NC says Latino victims are often targeted because they are known to carry large amounts of cash.
“What we need is more education in our communities about why it is a good idea to have a bank account,” says Vaca. “How to get a bank account. And to speak with financial institutions, so they can help people to open up bank accounts to avoid these kinds of situations.”
These arrests, just 11 days after the crimes, do bring some relief to the victims.
“I’m glad, you know, that they’re off the streets,” says that final victim. “Because they could have been out here robbing and killing people.”
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police say this investigation is ongoing, and these suspects are also connected to at least one shooting and as many as 12 violent crimes.
