Business Owner Kills Breaking And Entering Suspect In East Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police say the owner of a business off East Independence Boulevard shot and killed an accused breaking and entering suspect early Monday early.

Officers were called to American Beauty and Garden Center just after 4:30am in reference to an alarm.  The owner of the business also called 911 to report that he could see a suspect on the surveillance camera inside the business.

The owner of the store then called 911 again saying he had just shot the alleged suspect.

Police say upon arrival, officers located both the owner and 20-year-old Justin Anderson at the business.  Police say Anderson was pronounced dead on the scene.

Justin Anderson

Based on the initial investigation, police say it appears Anderson broke into the American Beauty Garden Center by smashing the front glass door.  When the owner of the business arrived at the scene, officers say Anderson ran out of the front door and was shot by the owner at that time.  Anderson then ran behind the business where he was later found by police, according to a news release.

This is an ongoing, active investigation. As further information develops it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective.