A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer was injured on Tuesday when the officer's cruiser was struck while responding to a breaking-and-entering call in Huntersville. The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. Officers at the scene say they interrupted an alleged theft of appliances from vacant apartment units, detaining three people and charging two in connection with the incident.
In a post via the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the department said fellow officers immediately provided aid to the injured officer while other units pressed on with the original call and detained three people. The post identified two suspects, 21-year-old Tre'varre Pressley-Gamble and 22-year-old Dominique Guy Rorie Jr., and said both were charged with two counts of breaking and entering, two counts of larceny after breaking and entering, felony conspiracy, and resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer.
As reported by WSOC, the crash happened near Statesville and Alexandrina roads in Huntersville when a box truck struck the officer's cruiser. WSOC noted it was unclear whether the people charged in the break-in would face any offenses connected to the crash.
Community tip halted alleged theft
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the whole response started with a tip from a vigilant community member who spotted suspicious activity. Officers arrived to find people loading appliances out of vacant units, at which point they moved in, detained three individuals, and recovered property. CMPD said the quick call from the neighborhood and the coordinated response on the ground were key in stopping the alleged theft.
What charges could mean
Breaking or entering with intent to commit a felony or larceny is punished as a felony under North Carolina law (G.S. 14-54), and the state has habitual breaking-and-entering provisions that can increase penalties for repeat offenders, per the North Carolina General Assembly. The exact penalties and prosecutorial decisions will depend on the case details and on any prior criminal records.
CMPD publicly thanked the community for reporting suspicious behavior and reiterated that the injured officer is expected to recover. Local coverage also noted the officer had been treated and was expected to be okay, as reported by WSOC. Police said the investigation into the crash and the break-in remains ongoing and that additional updates will be released when available.
