Man Wanted After Woman, 2 Children Robbed At Gunpoint In Church Parking Lot

MATTHEWS, NC — Police are looking for the man who robbed a woman and her two children at gunpoint after leaving Church Saturday night.

The robbery happened around 10:37pm at the Assembly of God on Monroe Road. The victim told police that she and her two children were in the car putting on seatbelts when a man came to her window, pointed a handgun, and demanded her purse.

No one was injured during the crime.

The suspect is described as a man of unknown race, six feet tall, very slim build, wearing black clothing and a black ninja mask. Police say the suspect possibly took off in a silver sedan.

Matthews Police have provided the following tips for anyone using a parking lot late at night:

• Try to plan ahead by parking under or near a well-lit area.
• If at all possible, leave the building as a group on your way to the parking lot.
• When possible, park in a well-lit lot versus a parking garage or deck.
• Have your car door key or remote access in your hand before you walk out of the building ready to unlock the door as soon as you approach the car. You don’t want to waste time looking for it while standing beside the car.
• Always look in your backseat and / or cargo area (If a SUV) before getting into your vehicle.
• Keep your situational awareness up by visually scanning the area around you as you are walking, getting into and while inside of the vehicle. Even though this is much harder to do with children, or if you are carrying items in your hands, it’s that much more important due to your attention being divided.
• Look outside in the parking lot before you leave the building. If you feel that someone is acting suspicious, call 911 to have an Officer come out while you’re inside the building.

Anyone with information on this case or the suspect is asked to call Det. Lori Valdes at 704-847-5555.