Crime & Safety stories in Charlotte

A Rock Hill man recently released from prison was “hunting for a victim” when he shot and killed a stranger loading his car for a birthday trip, a detective testified in court. Police say 30‑year‑old D’Aaron Boyd Colston ambushed 33‑year‑old Brandon Swilling on April 17, hiding behind a tree before

Firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire in northwest Charlotte early Friday, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.

In Rowan County Sheriff’s reports • Illegal dumping occurred on Stokes Ferry Road (Salisbury) around 8:45 a.m. on April 21. • An automobile theft occurred on Mt. Hall Road (Cleveland) between 10 p.m. on April 20 and 7:10 a.m. on April 21. • Fraud occurred on Kepley Road (Salisbu

A man is behind bars for several charges related to child sexual abuse.

Details are limited, but police said they responded late Monday night to a residence on Coldwater Lane about a shooting.

Nehemiah Kentrell Gibson-Rogers, 17, has been charged with murder following the shooting death of Legend Imir Benjamin, also 17, in Kannapolis. The incident occurred on Coldwater Lane, and Gibson-Rogers is currently held in Cabarrus County Jail without bond.

Don Allen Parson Jr., a 48-year-old man, is wanted by the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office on multiple charges including assault and kidnapping. He is currently at large, and authorities are seeking public assistance in locating him.

A shooting at the Mall of Louisiana left a 17-year-old dead and five others injured after a dispute escalated into gunfire. Authorities have taken five individuals into custody as they investigate the incident.

Authorities in Rowan County are searching for Don Allen Parson Jr., a 48-year-old man wanted for multiple charges including domestic assault. The investigation began after a domestic incident at his home in Landis.

Michael Gavin Smith has been charged with several felony offenses related to the sexual assault of a child. Following an investigation by law enforcement and child advocacy agencies, Smith was arrested and is currently held on a $1 million bond.

As summer approaches, Charlotte law enforcement and community leaders are calling on parents to take a more active role in preventing juvenile crime. Despite a decrease in overall crime, juvenile offenses remain a significant concern, with children as young as 10 gaining access to firearms.

A shooting at Hartsell Park in Concord resulted in one fatality and another person hospitalized. The incident is being investigated by local police, who assure the community there is no ongoing threat.

Deputy Francisco Ramos was fired following his arrest for domestic violence after an incident at his home. Sheriff Garry McFadden emphasized the agency's zero tolerance for such behavior.

A 64-year-old grandfather, Frank Dent, is facing lifelong challenges after a hit-and-run incident in July 2025. His family is pleading for answers as he now requires full-time care following multiple brain surgeries and memory loss.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have arrested Willie James Little, 57, in connection with a sexual assault case from 1993. The identification was made possible through familial DNA evidence, bringing closure to a decades-old investigation.

Authorities in Winston-Salem have announced that adults who witnessed a deadly fight at Leinbach Park will face charges for not intervening. This decision raises questions about public responsibility in ensuring safety.

The Belmont Police Department is looking into an unspecified incident that occurred in a parking lot on Park Street. Authorities have confirmed there is no threat to the public, but details remain scarce.

The suspect was identified through extensive DNA analysis.

Christopher Gillum, a former police officer from Chapel Hill, was arrested in Florida for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans. Authorities recovered a handgun and 200 rounds of ammunition from his hotel room, highlighting the importance of technology in preventing potential violence.

Chrisantus Omondi, 29, was acquitted of murder after fatally beating Scott Jackson, 51, with firewood. A judge ruled he was insane at the time of the attack.

A mother recounts a terrifying hit-and-run incident on I-485 where a speeding driver collided with her vehicle. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the case and seeking information from the public.

The Salisbury Police Department is searching for Victor Morales in connection with a deadly motorcycle crash that occurred a month ago. One motorcyclist was killed, and police are also looking for another individual involved in the incident.

A lawsuit has been filed against Mecklenburg County, claiming that a man's charges were incorrectly categorized as sex offenses on the sheriff's public website. This mislabeling raises concerns about the accuracy of public records and its implications for the accused.

[Link: https://www.wral.com/news/local/chapel-hill-man-arrested-mass-shooting-plans-new-orleans-april-2026/] Apparently he worked in Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carolina Beach at various times as a cop and prison guard. It isn't covered by WRAL but other reporting said he allegedly wanted to "k

SALISBURY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects accused of a fatal hit-and-run crash in Rowan County in February. The Salisbury Police Department has been searching for 29-year-old Tavita Garcia Diaz and 30-year-old Victor Hugo Vasquez Morales. Initially, Morale

Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl, was killed with two penetrating wounds, leading to a homicide ruling. Her parents express devastation over the autopsy findings as the investigation into singer D4vd continues.

The Salisbury Police Department has issued arrest warrants for Tavita Garcia Diaz and Victor Hugo Vasquez Morales in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that killed motorcyclist Jody Holloman in February. Both suspects are wanted for multiple felony charges and remain at large.

[Link: https://www.wral.com/news/nccapitol/lobbyist-charge-indictment-nc-bourbon-tour-trip-greater-carolina-april-2026/]

[Link: https://i.redd.it/r8wmdeoajuwg1.jpeg] Something BIG going down on South Blvd. Police cruisers on both sides of the road, helicopter and multiple drones.

D'Aaron Boyd Colston, 30, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of Brandon Swilling, 33, in Rock Hill. The incident occurred on April 17, and Colston is awaiting a bond hearing.