Police hope to identify man suspected of multiple crimes in east Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) — Detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are hoping to identify a man they believe is responsible for multiple crimes at an east Charlotte shopping mall. The incidents happened at Dollar Tree Plaza on Albemarle Road.

“Looks like he does. I mean he just takes things that apparently don’t belong to him,” said Constable Rick Smith, the CMPD’s Crime Stoppers Coordinator.

The first incident occurred on Saturday August 28, 2021, around 11:30 a.m. at the Tabac et Vape store in the mall. Surveillance footage from a security camera inside the store shows a man in the store grabbing something and flying away. Police believe the man stole a handgun.

The second incident happened on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 10, 2021, in a parking lot behind the mall. Police say an employee of a nearby hair salon was robbed at gunpoint in the parking lot behind the mall. Officers said the thief headed for the apartment complex behind the store.

Smith said detectives believe the man responsible for the incidents lives near the mall.

“We believe he lives in these flats here just behind the business. Like I said, he came on foot and he left on foot,” Smith said.

The Crime Stoppers coordinator said the man had a slim build and would be in his twenties.

“With Crime Stoppers, it’s anonymous. You don’t have to give any information. You don’t have to come to court and give information. All we need is that tip for cash,” Smith said.

Anyone with information about these crimes east of Charlotte is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Tipsters can remain anonymous and they can receive a cash reward if they have information that leads to an arrest. Community members can also submit crime tips through the P3 Tips app.

Copyright 2022 WBTV. All rights reserved.