Crime & Safety stories in Charlotte

Brian Louis Sguros, a police officer in Lauderhill, Florida, resigned after being accused of using a deceased man's identity to acquire his home. He faces multiple charges including official misconduct and unlawful use of personal identification.

Katherine Dale Kelly, 24, was arrested for allegedly shooting a woman she believed was involved with her boyfriend. The incident occurred in Port St. John, Florida, where Kelly confronted the pair and fired a gun through the car window.

A stabbing incident occurred at a men's shelter in north Charlotte, resulting in one person being seriously injured. The incident took place in the 3400 block of Statesville Avenue around 8 a.m.

A house explosion in north Wilkesboro uncovered a large illegal moonshine operation. Authorities seized significant quantities of mash and moonshine, leading to multiple charges against the resident.

Tiawana Brown, a former Charlotte City Councilwoman, is set to self-surrender to federal prison after being sentenced for COVID-19 relief fraud. She admitted to misusing funds intended for pandemic relief to fund a lavish birthday party, alongside her daughters who also faced legal consequences.

In a brazen theft, six men stole over 3,000 pounds of frozen snow crab from a parked truck in southwest Philadelphia. The driver was awakened during the incident but was unable to stop the thieves, who fled in multiple vehicles.

Iredell County deputies have initiated a large-scale narcotics operation aimed at apprehending over 75 suspects involved in drug distribution and trafficking. The operation follows extensive investigations and has already resulted in significant drug seizures.

Tiawana Brown, a former Charlotte City Councilwoman, is set to serve a 10-month federal prison sentence for fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. This case highlights issues of accountability among public officials.

The Iredell County Sheriff's Office has initiated a significant drug operation, resulting in multiple arrests for drug distribution and trafficking. This operation began on Tuesday and highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes in the area.

A Union County driver, Daniel Gomez Espinoza, was arrested after a rollover crash and was later found hiding in a coat closet. He faces multiple charges including driving while impaired and hit-and-run.

Justin Jones, 19, has been sentenced to at least 13 years in prison for the second-degree murder of Joelle Clesca, also 19, during a shooting at a Wingstop in Charlotte. The victim's family continues to grieve the loss, emphasizing the senselessness of youth violence.

Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Gastonia woman who was shot while on her back porch. One suspect was apprehended at a Washington D.C. airport, while the other was caught in South Carolina.

A family member of a homicide victim was arrested during a courtroom outburst at the arraignment of a suspect in a 2024 murder case. The incident disrupted proceedings and highlights the emotional toll of violent crime on victims' families.

Two juveniles have been arrested in the shooting death of 68-year-old Pamela Shanks in Gastonia. One was caught trying to flee to Africa, while the other was apprehended in South Carolina.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 68-year-old Pamela Shanks, who was killed on her porch in Gastonia. The arrest occurred as the suspect attempted to board a flight to Africa.

Investigators have confirmed that serial killer Ted Bundy was responsible for the 1974 murder of Melissa Ann Smith, closing another cold case. This follows earlier revelations linking him to the death of Laura Ann Aime, highlighting Bundy's extensive criminal history.

DeCarlos Brown, charged with the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte light rail, will have his state death penalty hearing postponed until May 2027. This delay is due to his current federal custody status and a judge's ruling on his mental capacity.

A 17-year-old driver, Lachevis Finnie, has been charged with felony hit-and-run after admitting to fleeing the scene of a crash that killed 6-year-old Mariana Espinoza. The incident occurred on Barrington Drive after the girl got off her school bus.

Matthew Unglesbee is facing federal charges for mailing letters with white powder to members of Congress. The powder was harmless, but the act raised serious security concerns.

Michael Kahn, the former CEO of the Charlotte Checkers, has pleaded guilty to tax fraud involving $4.5 million transferred from his nonprofit. He faces up to three years in prison, with sentencing yet to be scheduled.

Irene Miller, 50, was arrested after leaving her four children, aged 9 to 14, alone at home while she traveled to Las Vegas for work. The situation escalated when a 911 call reported that one of the children was injured by a falling dumbbell.

Jonathan Cook, 35, has been arrested and charged with felony patient abuse and neglect after a nursing home resident suffered a fractured femur. The incident occurred at Valley Nursing Center in Taylorsville on May 1.

A York County detention officer, Joel Snipes, has been fired and arrested following allegations of child neglect. The investigation, initiated by an anonymous tip, revealed that Snipes was involved in a situation that endangered multiple children.

Aaron Hannon claims that inadequate medical care during his 13-day incarceration led to infections and the amputation of four toes. The lawsuit alleges that jail staff denied him necessary medication and proper footwear.

A report reveals that more than 900 women have faced criminal charges related to their pregnancies since the Supreme Court's 2022 abortion ruling. Most charges are linked to child abuse and substance use during pregnancy, raising concerns about the implications for women's health and legal rights.

A man accused of a fatal stabbing on the CATS Blue Line in South End is scheduled to appear in court. Prosecutors may pursue the death penalty in this case.

Jay Hodge, Jr., a former prosecutor in Chesterfield County, is under scrutiny for allegedly working as a juvenile public defender despite accusations of child sex crimes. This revelation raises concerns about the safety and integrity of the juvenile justice system.

The former owner of the Charlotte Checkers, Kahn, has pleaded guilty to tax fraud amounting to $4.5 million. Kahn owned the team from 2006 until its acquisition by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment in 2024.

A shooting occurred on North Tryon Street near Hampton Church Road in University City, resulting in one person being injured. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety in the area.

A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a 6-year-old girl in northeast Charlotte. The child was struck while crossing the street and succumbed to her injuries the following day.