CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Detectives have charged a 22-year-old man and two juveniles for their involvement in a recent series of armed robberies in Charlotte.
Police say Maurice Thompson, 22, and a 16-year-old and 15-year-old face charges for allegedly robbing a man at gunpoint on Thursday, May 20th on Cedars East Court in east Charlotte.
Around 12:30 a.m. the next morning, officers say they located a stolen vehicle believed to have been used in the robbery.
Officers attempted to stop the car, but engaged in a pursuit when the driver refused to stop.
Police say the pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle crashed on Reddman Road, and all three occupants were taken into custody to be interviewed.
Following an initial interview with detectives, Thompson was taken into custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, felony possession of cocaine, and resisting a public officer.
The 16-year-old in this case was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, felony flee to elude arrest, and resisting a public officer, while authorities say the 15-year-old juvenile was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting a public officer.
Detectives say as their investigation continued, they seized eight firearms and charged the 16-year-old additionally with possession of a stolen firearm and five counts of possession of a firearm by a minor.
Detectives say they also connected Thompson to two other recent armed robberies, and additionally charged him with two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Police say they are now reviewing additional cases to see if Thompson or the two juveniles may have been involved.
Anyone with more information is asked to leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.
