Video Release of 30-Hour SWAT Standoff in the Steele Creek Division

Published on January 15, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, Jan. 15, 2024) – Today, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) released a collection of videos, including body-worn camera (BWC) footage, of a more than 30-hour SWAT incident involving a barricaded subject in the Steele Creek Division that occurred on March 11, 2023.  This footage was ordered for release by a judge following a court petition. 

On Saturday, March 11, 2023, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Steele Creek Division officers responded to a residence in the 3800 block of Griers Fork Drive in reference to a communicating threats call for service.  Multiple 911 calls were received advising that an individual was outside threatening to kill his neighbors and police. 

Officers were familiar with this subject, identified as Anh Thai (DOB: 03/02/1991), from previous encounters. Prior to this date, police had responded to this residence 46 times, and the CMPD Community Policing Crisis Response Team (CPCRT) had been involved with this subject, or in matters pertaining to him, 13 times. Officers were aware that the subject had an outstanding order for arrest.

Upon arrival on scene, officers tried to make contact with the individual. The individual remained inside of the residence and refused to exit the home.  During this time, officers learned that the subject was armed with a firearm.

During the encounter, additional resources were called to the scene to assist in de-escalating the incident with Mr. Thai.  CPCRT assisted in obtaining an Involuntary Commitment Order (IVC) on the subject and two additional warrants for arrest were issued.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., the CMPD SWAT Team was fully initiated and responded to the scene. SWAT Crisis Negotiators continued active communication efforts with Mr. Thai to de-escalate the situation. 

Shortly after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, Mr. Thai presented himself in the front doorway with a handgun. A SWAT officer perceived a lethal threat and fired one round.  Mr. Thai was not injured by the round and retreated into the residence. 

SWAT Crisis Negotiators continued communication efforts with Mr. Thai through the overnight hours of Saturday, March 11, into the early afternoon Sunday, March 12, in an attempt to achieve a peaceful resolution to the incident.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, March 12, Mr. Thai exited the residence and was taken into custody by CMPD SWAT officers.  Mr. Thai was later transported to a mental health facility for treatment.

The CMPD Homicide Unit led the investigation into this incident. No criminal charges will be filed against the officer in reference to this incident. CMPD Internal Affairs also conducted an investigation to determine if the shooting was within CMPD policy and ruled that the shooting was justified.

For further information on this case, please refer to the report: 20230311-0646-02.

To view the Critical Incident Briefing video CLICK HERE.

To view the playlist containing all 280 videos captured during this incident, CLICK HERE.

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