What was supposed to be a friendly Pokémon card trade at Elmira Avenue Park in east Durham turned into a crime scene last Wednesday, after police say two teens pulled a weapon and robbed the other youths. No one was reported hurt, but the meet-up ended with cash and a phone gone, one suspect locked up, and another still on the run.
According to Durham police, the group met in Elmira Avenue Park, in the 500 block of Elmira Avenue, to trade Pokémon cards. Officers say the deal suddenly shifted when two of the teens allegedly produced a weapon and took cash and a phone from the others. Investigators identified the suspected robbers as 19-year-old Kaire Dixon and 18-year-old Cheo White and allege the pair stole about $250 and an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. Police say Dixon was later picked up in Alamance County in connection with a separate Burlington robbery, while White remained at large, as reported by CBS17.
Where It Happened
Elmira Avenue Park, listed at 540 Elmira Ave in East Durham, is a neighborhood green space used for recreation and community gatherings. The park sits in a residential area east of downtown, according to Discover Durham. Police are asking neighbors, park regulars, and anyone who was nearby to share any video or details that could help piece together what happened.
Charges And Court Dates
Court filings show Dixon is charged in the Durham case with two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. White is wanted on robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy charges tied to the same incident. Authorities also say Dixon is named in warrants that allege he conspired to steal $7,179 in an armed robbery in Burlington and that he faces robbery with a dangerous weapon and second-degree kidnapping charges there. Court documents state Dixon made his first appearance in Durham County court on Monday and is due back June 30. He was not given bond for either incident, according to CBS17.
Police Search And Tips
The Durham Police Department has asked anyone with information about the Elmira Avenue Park robbery to contact Investigator T. Blake at 919-560-4440 ext. 29282. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200. The city’s police data and CrimeStoppers pages list the tip line and other reporting resources, which are available on the Durham Police Department website. Investigators say any video recorded at the meet-up or nearby surveillance footage could help move the case forward.
Context
Local leaders have pointed to mixed crime trends this year, including a drop in reported robberies alongside a rise in homicides. Officials say that kind of split picture makes quick reporting and community tips even more important as they try to respond to what is actually happening in neighborhoods. City leaders recently reviewed first quarter crime data and are expected to continue those discussions with the council this month, according to WRAL.
