A late-night armed carjacking at a popular Chapel Hill park ended with a swift arrest, after police say a local man robbed two people at gunpoint and took off in their vehicle just after midnight Wednesday.
According to WRAL, Chapel Hill Police identified the suspect as 32-year-old Alexander Quinn Zeman. Investigators say Zeman approached two people who were sitting in the park outside the Chapel Hill Community Center on South Estes Drive, pointed a gun at them and demanded their keys. Police report that he then drove away in their vehicle. There were no reports of injuries.
Officers later found and arrested a suspect in the Elizabeth Street area. Police say Zeman is being held without bond at the Orange County Detention Center and was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday afternoon.
Where it happened
The incident unfolded at Community Center Park, the green space beside the Chapel Hill Community Center at 120 S. Estes Drive. The Town of Chapel Hill’s parks guide lists both the Community Center and Community Center Park at that address and describes the facility as a regular neighborhood hub for families, classes and recreation programs. Town of Chapel Hill parks guide
Arrest and charges
Chapel Hill Police have charged Zeman with robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault by pointing a gun, larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a motor vehicle and going armed to the terror of the public. Those charges, along with the arrest location on Elizabeth Street, were outlined by WRAL, citing information from the police department. Zeman remains detained at the Orange County Detention Center without bond while he awaits his next court appearance.
What neighbors should know
Police are still piecing together what happened and are asking for help from anyone who might have seen something or captured the incident on camera. Tips can be reported to the Chapel Hill Police Department at 919-968-2760. Callers who prefer to stay anonymous can contact Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC Crimestoppers at 919-942-7515.
The department has leaned on community tips in other recent cases, including a separate April shooting on Westminster Drive that prompted a public appeal for information from Chapel Hill officials. Chapel Hill Police Department
The case remains under investigation. As with all criminal cases, the person charged is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. This report will be updated if additional details emerge in police releases or court filings.
