A routine trip to the laundry room turned into a police manhunt at a Matthews motel, where officers say a 24-year-old Charlotte man assaulted another guest and pointed a gun during a heated dispute. The suspect took off in a gray Ford Fusion, and while officers tried to pull the car over, they ultimately stopped the pursuit because of safety concerns. Arrest warrants were issued Monday, and investigators are asking anyone with information to speak up.
According to Queen City News, officers were called to the InTown Suites on E. Independence Boulevard in Matthews on Sunday after reports of an assault and a gun threat. The victim told police the suspect physically assaulted him, then pointed a handgun during the confrontation in the motel laundry room. The case was taken to the Mecklenburg County magistrate's office, where arrest warrants were issued for 24-year-old Alisjah McGriff of Charlotte on charges that include simple assault, assault by pointing a gun and felony flee to elude.
Hotel safety and local context
The confrontation comes as Matthews police have been dealing with a broader pattern of crime in and around local hotels, including thefts from parking lots and guest vehicles. WSOC-TV has reported that Matthews officers are working with neighboring departments to monitor hotel parking areas and urge guests to lock cars and stash valuables out of sight, since those thefts can sometimes involve weapons or escalate into more serious encounters. Police say those alerts are not directly tied to this laundry room case, but the incident is another reminder of how quickly tension in a shared motel space can turn dangerous.
Charges and next steps
Per Queen City News, McGriff faces charges of simple assault, assault by pointing a gun and felony flee to elude. Police say the pursuit that began in Matthews and continued into Charlotte was called off because officers were concerned about public safety. Detectives are still tracking leads on McGriff's whereabouts and are leaning on community tips to help close the case.
How to report tips
Anyone with information that could help locate McGriff is urged to call 911 in an emergency or contact the Town of Matthews police non-emergency line at (704) 847-5555, according to the Town of Matthews. The town's website also lists additional contact details and a tip line on its police information pages for both residents and visitors.
