In a recent development concerning a string of shooting incidents in Charlotte, two suspects have been arrested, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reports. Officers credited with proactive patrols and diligent investigative efforts led to the detention of a 16-year-old juvenile and an 18-year-old named Carlos Roberto Diaz in relation to the violent events that occurred in the Metro and Steele Creek Divisions.
Chief Johnny Jennings praised the department's response during a press conference, saying, "These were brazen crimes that put our community at risk and created a safety hazard for our community. CMPD personnel took this personally. They took this as a threat to the safety of the citizens of Charlotte and acted appropriately," the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reports. A series of shootings took place between 1:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. last Tuesday, shaking the local community and prompting an intense response from law enforcement.
Early Thursday morning, following observations of a suspicious vehicle in a patrolled area known for the recent crime wave, officers made a critical arrest of a 16-year-old connected with the shootings. The operation yielded a firearm and the taking of the suspect's vehicle, without the incident. The juvenile was subsequently interviewed by Homicide detectives and is now facing charges, including 1st Degree Murder, with additional charges pending.
Further investigations led to the identification of the second suspect, Carlos Roberto Diaz, 18, who faces a litany of charges including 1st Degree Murder, multiple counts related to shootings into an occupied vehicle and dwelling, as well as attempted murder. According to the same source, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT), with FBI Charlotte's help, apprehended Mr. Diaz without issue. Both suspects are now in custody, the younger at the Department of Juvenile Justice and Mr. Diaz at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is not looking for any additional suspects in this case, bringing some closure to a city rattled by a swift sequence of deadly violence.
