Juvenile Charged After Armed Robbery In Southeast Charlotte Park

CHARLOTTE, NC — A juvenile faces numerous charges including armed robbery with a dangerous weapon after police said they stole money and keys at gunpoint from two people at a southeast Charlotte park Thursday.

The heist was reported to police shortly before 6 a.m. at McAlpine Creek Park, located at 8700 Monroe Road.

The incident occurred one day after Charlotte police said a recent uptick in thefts from autos in the area has led to an increase of stolen firearms ending up in the hands of felons and juveniles. In May, for example, 40 juveniles were arrested while in possession of guns, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported.

The two victims told responding officers that when they arrived at the park, a male approached them with a gun, demanded money and took the keys. The suspect ran away on foot, then returned, leaving in the victim's vehicle, the CMPD report said.

SEE ALSO: Spike In Vehicle Break-In Leads To Rise In Stolen Guns: CMPD

About an hour later, an officer with CMPD's motor unit initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle due to traffic violations. During the stop, information was relayed to the officer that the vehicle matched the description of the one stolen in the park. Two juveniles were inside the car, and both were detained without incident, CMPD said.

Both teens were questioned, and following the interview, one was charged with armed robbery with a dangerous weapon. He was also charged with speeding, no operator's license, reckless driving, obtaining a fictitious license plate and providing fictitious information to an officer.

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