4 arrested, over 100 gambling machines seized in raid at southeast Charlotte arcade

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Four suspects were arrested following an investigation into an illegal gambling operation at an arcade in southeast Charlotte, according to police.

CMPD’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) conducted a search warrant at 999 Arcade off East Independence Boulevard. As a result, police said they seized 102 illegal gambling stations, nearly $40,000 in cash, and two firearms.

Four suspects, 40-year-old Jianwang Zhu, 54-year-old Haiong Zhang, 43-year-old Xiong Yang, 34-year-old Aaron Johnson were arrested in connection to the case. All are facing gambling-related offenses. Johnson was also charged with providing unlicensed armed security, according to police.

A fifth suspect, 33-year-old Jose Garcia, received a citation for a misdemeanor gambling offense.

“The ABC Unit remains committed to working with local and federal partners in holding accountable and shutting down establishments that continue to engage in unlawful or dangerous conduct,” CMPD said.

Police said the investigation is part of ABC’s initiative to crackdown on locations that engage in illegal activity and contribute to violent crime.