Protest in Uptown Charlotte 2020

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Continued Protests in Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, June 11, 2020) – June 10, 2020, marked the 13^th day the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has facilitated protests in the City of Charlotte.   

At about 5:00 p.m., a group of approximately 150 individuals gathered at Marshall Park for a food drive.  At 6:15 p.m., these demonstrators marched through the Uptown area, delivering food to two separate locations.  The group then marched to Romare Bearden Park, joining a candlelight vigil at 8:00 p.m.  This group remained non-violent and no arrests were made.

Around 11:20 p.m., a group of 20 protesters illegally walked onto I-277 at the 4^th Street Ramp.  In addition to using their bodies, the protesters moved construction barrels and cones from the roadside and placed them across the roadway to deliberately block traffic.  At least 70 vehicles, including Charlotte Fire Department Engine 42, were blocked by the dangerous and riotous actions of these protesters.  When CMPD Officers arrived, the protesters fled; the roadway was cleared of the demonstrators within six minutes.  By 11:30 p.m., officers, with the help of a motorist, had removed the debris from the roadway and traffic was flowing freely. 

Five suspects were quickly identified and arrested due to this illegal activity.  Katherine Jean Wolff, DOB: 5/12/1987, Michael Scott Howard, DOB: 12/9/1995, Brandy Nicole Webb, DOB: 11/10/1992, Kristie Puckett Williams, DOB: 7/31/1979, and Gloria Merriweather, DOB: 1/31/1992, were all charged with Impeding Traffic. The report number for this incident is 2020-0610-2322-02.

Throughout the day, no officers were injured, no dispersal orders were issued and there was no use of Riot Control Agents (RCA).  The CMPD will continue its commitment of keeping the peace while working with protesters and safeguarding their First Amendment Rights.

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Eleventh Day of Protests in Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, June 9, 2020) – June 8, 2020, marked the eleventh consecutive day the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has facilitated protests in the City of Charlotte.  During last night's demonstrations, two protesters were arrested for their unlawful and hostile actions toward officers.

Shortly after 4:00 p.m., Captain Brad Koch was with a group of protesters at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center (CMGC) when James Marsicano, DOB: 03/21/1993, shoved him.  While Captain Koch was arresting Marsicano, a few of the protesters acted in aid of Captain Koch by trying to stop other protesters who were interfering with the arrest.  Marsicano was able to escape but has since been located and arrested.  Continued investigation also identified Marsicano as a suspect who had assaulted Captain Koch the day prior near the 800 block of East 4th Street.  Marsicano has been charged with two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct and resisting a public officer.  For additional information, please refer to the corresponding reports: 20200607-2211-00 and 20200608-1618-00.

Around 6:40 p.m., protesters from groups at the CMGC and Freedom Park joined together and began marching in Uptown Charlotte.  The march ended around 7:45 p.m., but a small group of protesters remained in the area and continued to march.  Shortly before 8:10 p.m., the group was near 300 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard when Latif Majied, DOB: 03/05/1957, threatened to kill two officers.  Majied was arrested and charged with two counts of communicating threats.  Majied was also served with three outstanding criminal summonses for communicating threats and two counts of trespassing.  For additional information, please refer to the report: 2020-0608-2017-01.

Last night's demonstrations concluded around 12:15 a.m. without further incident.  No officers were injured, no dispersal orders were issued and there was no use of Riot Control Agents (RCA).  Since the beginning of the protests, 19 officers have been injured and 128 arrests have been made.  The CMPD will continue its commitment of keeping the peace while working with protesters and safeguarding their First Amendment Rights.

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Tenth Day of Protests in Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, June 8, 2020) – June 7, 2020, marked the tenth consecutive day of protests in the City of Charlotte, and members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department facilitated these demonstrations. 

At 5:30 p.m., a group of approximately 1000 protesters began marching along Ballantyne Commons Parkway.  This demonstration concluded about two hours later without incident.

Shortly after 7:00 p.m., a large group of protestors marched from Romare Bearden Park and then gathered at CMPD's Headquarters.  The march then returned to the park where it ended without incident.  A second demonstration was also held at Marshall Park which began around 7:30 p.m. and concluded shortly before 9:00 p.m. without incident.

Around 10:00 p.m., approximately 100 protesters left Marshall Park and began to march in the Uptown Charlotte area.  Several individuals near the intersection of McDowell Street and 4th Street became hostile toward Captain Brad Koch, who has repeatedly marched with protesters since demonstrations began ten days ago.  Some demonstrators protected Captain Koch from the aggressive protesters while additional officers responded.  This incident resulted in an officer-injury, deployment of OC spray and the arrest of the following two suspects:

• Gloria Merriweather, DOB: 01/31/1992, was charged with assault on a government official and resisting a public officer.
• Tomeka Hayes, DOB: 01/14/1984, was charged with resisting a public officer.
  

Since the beginning of the protests, 19 officers have been injured, and 125 arrests have been made.  The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department remains committed to keeping the peace while working with protesters and safeguarding their First Amendment rights.

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Ninth Day of Protests in Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, June 7, 2020) – June 6, 2020, marked the ninth consecutive day of protests in the City of Charlotte, and members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department facilitated these demonstrations.  Some protesters did obstruct traffic and enter I-277, but officers were able to de-escalate each situation.

Around 5:00 p.m. yesterday, a group of protesters began marching from Freedom Park at 1908 East Boulevard.  The group grew to several hundred protesters and marched throughout the streets of Uptown Charlotte.  Around 11:30 p.m., the march ended and the majority of the demonstrators began to leave the area.

Around 12:00 a.m., a group of approximately 20 protesters crossed I-277 and stood on the shoulder.  Due to the safety concerns of standing on a highway, officers approached the protesters to encourage them to demonstrate elsewhere.  The protesters then became confrontational, but officers were able de-escalate the situation.  Around 12:40 a.m., a group of approximately 30 protesters began to intentionally disrupt traffic and then surrounded a patrol vehicle.  The agitator of the group, Jimmy Huntley, DOB: 05/08/1998, was later located and arrested after he fled from officers.  He was charged with impeding traffic and resisting a public officer.

Throughout last night's demonstrations, there were no officers injured, no objects thrown, no assaults, no property was damaged, no dispersal orders issued, and no use of Riot Control Agents (RCA).  The CMPD would like to remind the community that the obstruction of the roadway is unlawful and unsafe.  The CMPD will continue working with the community to facilitate demonstrations and encourages everyone to express their viewpoints in a lawful manner. 

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Charlotte Community Continuing to Heal

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, June 5, 2020) – June 4, 2020, marked the seventh consecutive day of protests in the City of Charlotte.  Members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and community, alike, worked together throughout the evening to allow for the expression of all viewpoints, and this partnership resulted in only lawful demonstrations.

Around 6:00 p.m. yesterday, nearly 150 protesters gathered at Freedom Park located at 1908 East Boulevard.  Their demonstrations remained lawful, and the protest concluded a few hours later.

Around 8:00 p.m., a group of protesters gathered at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center located at 600 East 4th Street.  The group then marched to Police Headquarters, and officers joined them to talk and answer questions.  Shortly before 9:15 p.m., a group of about 200 protesters left Romare Bearden Park, and both groups joined to march together.  The march remained lawful through its duration and concluded around 1:45 a.m.  There were no officers injured, no objects thrown, no assaults, and no property was damaged.  Because the protest was lawful, there was no use of dispersal orders or Riot Control Agents (RCA).

Last night, officers located a vehicle which had fled from them a few days prior. They were able to stop the vehicle and take the driver into custody for possession of drug paraphernalia and an outstanding warrant for shoplifting. The driver, Christopher Jones, DOB: 04/15/2001, was arrested.

Last's night's protests were an excellent example of the exercise of First Amendment Rights.  Viewpoints were expressed freely, passionately and devoid of violence.  

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Protests in Uptown Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, June 4, 2020) – June 3, 2020, marked the sixth day of protests in the City of Charlotte.  Officers of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are diligently continuing their efforts in facilitating lawful demonstrations to allow for the expression of all viewpoints.  When demonstrations become violent, officers are dedicated to restoring order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public.

Around 4:00 p.m. yesterday, approximately 300 protesters gathered at Myers Park High School located at 2400 Colony Road and began to march in the area.  This demonstration remained lawful throughout its duration, and concluded a few hours later.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m., a group of protesters who gathered at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center located at 600 East 4th Street began to march in the streets of Uptown Charlotte.  Before they began to march, the CMPD's Chief of Police Kerr Putney joined the group of protesters to speak with them.  The first few hours of the demonstration remained lawful and involved cooperation between the police and protesters.  At one point, a protester found a firework and gave it to police in efforts to keep the protest lawful. 

Shortly after 11:00 p.m., a few protesters began to throw cones into the street, and fireworks were thrown into the crowd.  The CMPD prevented protestors from walking onto the interstate. Protesters then began throwing bottles, rocks and fireworks at officers.  Within a span of around 10 minutes, there were at least five separate instances of these objects being thrown at officers, so Riot Control Agents (RCA) were deployed to protect the public, reduce the harm to officers and preserve property.  The use of the RCA was effective and dispersed those who were assaulting officers.

A few other protesters pulled down an America flag from a flag pole, which was burned.  One protester attempted to open a stack of bricks with a knife, and a few other protesters were seen arming themselves with bats.  Multiple vehicles joined and followed the protesters, and several drove recklessly, endangering those demonstrating.  As a result, several traffic stops were conducted, and five people were arrested for reckless driving.

A total of 11 protesters were arrested last night as a result of their actions which endangered officers and the community.  Four of those arrested were in possession of weapons, and officers seized two firearms, a knife and a bat.

Over the last five days, more than 120 people have been arrested as a result of the riots.  At least 22 weapons have been seized as a result of these arrests, and more than 85 of those arrested are from the Charlotte area.  A total of 12 officers have sustained injuries requiring medical attention.  The CMPD is actively investigating all criminal activity and is working to prevent the harm and destruction caused by the violent acts of rioting.  As is standard procedure with any use of RCAs, the CMPD's Internal Affairs Bureau is conducting an investigation to determine whether the CMPD's policies and procedures were adhered to during last night's riots. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office.  Anyone with information about any crime is asked to call 911 or leave that information anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.

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Lawful Demonstrations and Premeditated Riots Continuing in Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, June 2, 2020) – Premeditated rioting continues to threaten the safety of the Charlotte community.  For the fourth night in a row, weapons were brought to the protests by rioters and were used in a complete disregard for the safety and welfare of the community.  Machetes, bats, explosives and firearms were used to threaten the safety of officers and the community, and this destructive and violent behavior led to the arrest of 27 rioters last night.

Beginning around 1:00 p.m. on June 1, 2020, a group of approximately 100 people began to demonstrate lawfully near the 4400 block of Sharon Road.  This gathering remained lawful throughout its duration and concluded without incident.  Later that day at 6:00 p.m., a second group gathered at Freedom Park located at 1908 East Boulevard.  This gathering also remained lawful throughout its duration, and many CMPD officers across multiple ranks in the Constructive Conversation Team interacted with more than 1,500 people who were present.

Later in the evening, protesters began to gather at the intersection of North Davidson Street and East Trade Street to march throughout Uptown Charlotte.  Shortly after 10:30 p.m., protesters began gathering and throwing rocks at the officers who were facilitating the once-lawful demonstration. For the next several hours, rioters refused any constructive conversation and continued escalating their violent behavior, intending to injure officers.  Rioters were armed with clubs, bats, poles, rocks, bricks, machetes, a taser and shot high-powered fireworks directly at officers.   Three officers required medical attention and have fortunately been treated and released. Of the officers injured, two were struck by fireworks, and one was struck in the head with a brick.

The rioters endangered the public, damaged windows of several businesses, defaced property with graffiti and threatened the safety of the officers who had facilitated demonstrations and eagerly engaged with demonstrators earlier in the day.  The escalation in violence taken by the rioters necessitated dispersal orders and the use of Riot Control Agents (RCA) to protect the public, reduce the harm to officers and preserve property.

Of the 27 people arrested, four were in possession of weapons, and officers seized a firearm, two machetes, a baseball bat and a metal pole. The following is a list of those who were arrested, accompanied by their respective charges:

Over the last four days, 97 people have been arrested, and more than 70 of those arrested are from the Charlotte area.  The CMPD is actively investigating all criminal activity and is working to prevent the harm and destruction caused by the violent acts of rioting.  As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office.  Anyone with information about any crime is asked to call 911 or leave that information anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.

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Continued Demonstrations and Riot Activity in Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, June 1, 2020) – On Sunday, May 31, 2020, around 1:00 p.m., two separate groups began to demonstrate lawfully.  These demonstrations began at First Ward and Romare Bearden Parks and were estimated to have a crowd size of more than 1,500 demonstrators who marched in various parts of Uptown Charlotte.  The group expressed their viewpoints lawfully throughout their demonstrations which allowed the CMPD to not only facilitate the protest, but also have constructive conversations with those demonstrating.

Shortly after 6:00 p.m., another large group of demonstrators began to gather and march in the streets of Uptown Charlotte.  These protests also remained lawful for several hours allowing the CMPD to continue facilitating demonstrations and engage in constructive dialogue with those attending.  Several members of the community were also actively involved in seeking to unify perspectives during conversations.

Later in the evening, protestors became violent and began throwing rocks, explosives and other objects at officers, intending to injure the officers who were actively involved in facilitating the lawful demonstrations.  CMPD's Civil Emergency Unit (CEU) deployed and gave multiple orders to disperse.  Rioters continued to actively assault officers, so Riot Control Agents (RCA) were used to disperse those who were threatening the safety of the officers and other members of the community.

Throughout the night and into the early-morning hours, those rioting continued to assault officers, threaten other members of the community and destroy the property of businesses actively involved in the support and wellbeing of the community.  A large number of rioters were intent on harming officers, which resulted in one officer being struck in the face by a rock thrown at him by a rioter.  The officer was transported to the hospital with what was believed to be a broken jaw, and after diagnostic testing and treatment, he was released from the hospital.  Two additional officers were also unable to provide their service to the community as a result of necessary medical treatment for injuries they sustained from the riots the day before.  One of these injuries was the result of an explosive device thrown at police, causing injuries to an officer's eye.  Rioters were also witnessed and videoed gathering and throwing rocks at community businesses, breaking windows and defaced public areas in uptown with messages of hate.

This destruction lead to the arrest of 25 rioters.  One rioter arrested was Denzel King, who had several outstanding warrants for assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill as a result of shooting into a home occupied by a father and a son.  Two of the seven rioters arrested for assault on a government official were 15 and 17 year-old juveniles.  Four other rioters were arrested and found in possession of a firearm they brought with them to riot, and one of these four was a 16-year-old juvenile.  All four firearms were confiscated by police.

The following is a list of those charged as a result of their involvement in the violence incurred by the riot:

The following are a few of the several cases which occurred during the early-morning hours of June 1, 2020, and the preliminary investigations leads the CMPD to believe they are a direct result of looting:

• Shortly after 3:05 a.m., officers responded to reports of a motor vehicle collision at Carolina Sporting Arms located at 8055 South Boulevard in the Steele Creek Division.  The investigation revealed a suspect used a stolen vehicle to ram the front door of the business with the intent to break into it.  No entry was made into the business.  The report number for this case is 20200601-0307-01.
• Shortly after 12:20 a.m., officers responded to reports of an alarm at the National Pawn Shop located at 5030 East Independence Boulevard in the Independence Division.  They arrived to find a vehicle had been used to ram the business and allow a large number of suspects to enter and steal large amounts of merchandise.  The report number for this case is 20200601-0023-02.
• Shortly after 3:30 a.m., officers received reports of a second breaking and entering at the National Pawn Shop on East Independence Boulevard.  A large group of suspects returned and continued to steal property from inside the business.  An employee who had remained on scene to address the damage from the previous break-in was shot at by one of the suspects fleeing the scene, and the vehicle the victim was inside of was struck by the bullet.  The report numbers for these investigations are 20200601-0023-02, 20200601-0251-00 and 20200601-0308-00.
• Walmart: Shortly before 1:50 a.m., officers responded to reports of more than 20 people who were attempting to break into the Walmart located at 3240 Wilkinson Boulevard in the Freedom Division.  Officers arrived and ultimately arrested two suspects.  Shirlene Blakeney, DOB: 05/17/1992, and Clotisha Roberson, DOB: 12/01/1991, were both charged with breaking and entering, conspiracy to commit breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering.  The report number for this case is 20200601-0147-03.
  

The unifying efforts of the community members who were actively involved in fostering peace and a dialogue of understanding played a large role in the constructive conversations that happened between demonstrators and police.  These spirited conversations are what will lead to an even stronger community set on breaking down all barriers that divide the community.  The CMPD is dedicated to an inclusive and unified community and is resolute in working with the community to create a safe and healthy environment for all.

The CMPD is continuing to investigate all criminal activity and prevent the harm and destruction caused by the violent acts of rioting.  As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office.  Anyone with information about any crime is asked to call 911 or leave that information anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.

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Continued Demonstration and Riot Activity in Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, May 31, 2020) – On Saturday, May 30, 2020, shortly after 1:20 p.m., a group of more than 100 demonstrators began to peacefully assemble at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Headquarters located at 601 East Trade Street, and officers across multiple ranks intermingled with the group to engage in constructive conversations.  The CMPD values the viewpoints of all community members and is grateful to have had the opportunity of a personable dialogue of understanding with those peacefully expressing their viewpoints.  After the group left police headquarters, they continued to peacefully assemble throughout various parts of Uptown Charlotte.

Shortly before 8:00 p.m., a large group of protesters began to march onto I-277 and block traffic near East 4th Street, so the CMPD's Civil Emergency Unit (CEU) gave multiple orders to disperse.  Through constructive conversations the CMPD's Ambassadors had with the demonstrators, the group left the interstate.  Soon after this, officers received information about someone in possession of a concealed weapon and began working to locate and safely apprehend the suspect.  While officers were making the arrest, they were approached by a group of protesters who became aggressive and threatened the safety of officers and others in the area, necessitating the deployment of Riot Control Agents (RCA).  The armed suspect, Tylessia McKinney, was safely apprehended and her weapon was seized.  McKinney's firearm was the first of at least six handguns and rifles located and seized by officers.  In total, six protesters were arrested on firearms charges throughout the course of the riot.

Multiple orders to disperse were given to the protesters due to their high level of violence.  Through the course of the evening and up until almost 5:00 a.m. the following day, approximately 50-75 rioters threw rocks, explosives and other items at groups of officers, at police property, and into community businesses.  One of the explosives struck an officer in the face, requiring him to receive medical attention.  A total of two officers required medical attention from injuries they sustained due to the violent riots; fortunately their injuries were not serious. 

Explosives were also thrown into businesses with the intention to set fires which required extinguishing.  Although the possession of dangerous weapons at assemblies is unlawful, rioters began shooting their weapons on South College Street, and officers found numerous projectiles and shell casings inside the Panera Bread Restaurant and BB&T Bank.  Several other businesses such as Kings Kitchen and Discovery Place also incurred extensive damage from the violent actions of the protesters.  Rioters also threw rocks at a Charlotte Fire Department truck that was responding to provide emergency assistance to someone who had fallen into a manhole.

The relentless dedication of each CMPD officer protecting the community last night led to the arrest of following 30 suspects involved in this violent riot:

The community's voice is important to the CMPD, and we will always work to safeguard and facilitate peaceful and lawful protests that do not injure our officers, threaten the safety of the community they serve and lead to the destruction of property.  Our top priority is to keep the community safe, and we encourage the peaceful expression of every viewpoint, so all interactions are constructive.  We will continue working with all our partners at the local, state, and federal levels to address community concerns and protect all who live in and visit our city.

All criminal activity surrounding the riots is still being actively investigated.  As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office.  Anyone with information about any crime is asked to call 911 or leave that information anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.

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Demonstration and Riot Activity in Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, May 30, 2020) – On Friday, May 29, 2020, around 6:15 p.m., demonstrators began to assemble at the Metro Division Office located at 1118 Beatties Ford Road.  About 30 minutes later, the crowd of approximately 100 demonstrators began to march in the roadway on Beatties Ford Road and grew to approximately 250 demonstrators.  Some of the demonstrators began to damage property and threaten the safety of officers and the community.

Around 8:45 p.m., the CMPD's Civil Emergency Unit (CEU) was deployed to restore order through de-escalation tactics.  When the group of demonstrators began to throw rocks, explosives and other objects at officers, less-lethal riot control agents (RCA) were deployed to disperse the group.  RCAs are a less-lethal response to violent resistance, and they are deployed by CEU officers who have received specialized training on their safe and proper deployment.

At 11:20 p.m., officers responded to a nearby report of a commercial alarm at the Food Lion located at 2123 Beatties Ford Road.  They arrived and found protestors had broken the windows to several businesses and unlawfully entered and stole merchandise.  While officers were at this location, a firearm was discharged by one of the rioters.  Officers did not discharge their weapons and de-escalated the encounter throught less-lethal means.  As a result of their immediate investigation, Lavar Sprinkle was identified as a suspect and was arrested.

In addition to the community businesses damaged, three officers were injured, and the Metro Division office, a police bicycle and multiple police vehicles were damaged as a result of the protest.  The three officers sustained minor injuries, and two of the three have been treated and released.  The chart below lists those arrested in connection with the riot activity along Beatties Ford Road.  Prior to these arrests, each person was given multiple orders to disperse.  These orders were given in painstaking efforts to protect lives and property.