News

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Lunch Break (7/5/16): President Obama and Hillary Clinton are coming to shut shit down in Uptown

Posted By and on Tue, Jul 5, 2016 at 11:34 AM


President Obama will be at the Charlotte Convention Center with Hillary Clinton this afternoon for the pair's first appearance together during Clinton's presidential campaign. The event will take place at 2 p.m., but it's our suggestion that you stay away from Uptown until well after the event is over unless you're attending or some other mandatory business forces you to be there, as traffic is sure to be ridiculous. In related news, just hours before the campaign stop here in Charlotte, FBI director James Comey held a press conference to announce that his office will not recommend that charges be brought against Clinton in regards to her private email servers. (see below, via CNBC) Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump will reportedly be appearing later this evening in Raleigh. He's set to speak at the Memorial Auditorium at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts at 7 p.m.(Ryan Pitkin) 

Police are investigating a murder that occurred just north of Uptown this morning off LaSalle Street. Police responded to an assault call on Newcastle Street at around 6:40 a.m. this morning and found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Police have not yet released the name of the victim. (Ryan Pitkin) 

Investigators with the Charlotte Fire Department are working to determine what caused a two-alarm fire at a northeast Charlotte apartment complex this morning. Crews responded to calls of a fire at the Hunters Pointe apartment complex on Prospect Road at around 9 a.m. and arrived to see flames coming from the engulfed building. A responding firefighter was reportedly hospitalized for heat exhaustion. CFD officials told reporters that six units were affected, with five adults and three small children being displaced. (WBTV Staff) 

A CMPD candidate collapsed and later died during state-mandated physical training this morning, according to CMPD officials. Newly hired candidates were reportedly doing training exercises at 8:30 a.m. when the man collapsed. CMPD training staff and CFD personnel rendered aid until Medic arrived. The man was later pronounced deceased at Carolinas Medical Center. (Ryan Pitkin) 

Police are investigating a murder that apparently occurred in the Grier Heights neighborhood yesterday morning. Officers responded to Wheatley Avenue just southeast of Uptown at around 1:30 a.m. Monday morning. They found evidence of a shooting but no victim. Shortly thereafter, a car struck the entrance of the Novant Presbyterian Hospital emergency room. Two victims suffering from gunshot wounds were found in the vehicle. Nineteen-year-old Markas Vereen was later pronounced dead. (Ryan Pitkin) 

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Friday, July 1, 2016

Lunch Break (7/1/16): Groups react to passage of HB630 regarding coal ash

Posted By and on Fri, Jul 1, 2016 at 11:30 AM


A bill outlining the future of coal ash ponds in North Carolina landed on Governor Pat McCrory’s desk after a quick trip through the state House and Senate this week, bypassing any opportunity for public comment. House Bill 630 comes after McCrory vetoed legislation earlier this year that would have required Duke Energy to excavate 14 coal ash sites deemed “intermediate” or “high risk.” Under HB 630, at least half of those sites would be reclassified as “low risk,” meaning they would stay put. The bill also gives Duke Energy until October 2018 to restore clean, safe water to residents whose wells were contaminated by coal ash pollution in the ground. Finally, the bill seeks to eliminate any local regulation — including the Coal Ash Management Commission — and revert decision-making to state officials. Environmental groups have been responding to the passage in the hours since its passing, and are none too happy, to say the least. Amy Brown, a resident and mother to young children near Duke’s Allen Steam Station in Gaston County who has participated in hearings with the Alliances of Carolinians Together Against Coal Ash, says, “Everybody got what they wanted except the communities. The hearings were a lot of work, but we all showed up to participate in them because the state told us that was the way to be heard. Yet it’s clear they haven’t heard us. Senate leaders made this bill look like a pretty little package, saying that we are going to get clean water, dangling it like a carrot. But our community knows that we deserve clean water and a full cleanup of the leaking coal ash pit in our backyard. We aren’t the violator of laws on probation that pleaded guilty – Duke Energy is. Why do they get the voice in this, and not affected residents?” (Madeline Lemieux) 

Police are looking for a vehicle that was involved in a hit-and-run yesterday in which a pedestrian was struck while crossing the road in the Steele Creek area. Police believe the victim was in or near the crosswalk at the intersection on South Tryon Street at Sandy Porter Road when they were struck by an older, burgundy four-door sedan, possibly a Honda Civic. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to CMC-Main. The suspect vehicle is expected to have damage to the front headlights and possibly the windshield. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Gormican at 704-336-2677. (Ryan Pitkin) 

Police have released photos of the man who tried to rob Tupelo Honey Cafe on Wednesday afternoon in the middle of the lunch rush. Police say the man entered the business on South Boulevard at around 12:41 p.m. on Wednesday and tried to rob it at gunpoint. He fled the scene before getting any money. The suspect (pictured below) is believed to be about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weigh around 170 pounds. (Ryan Pitkin) 
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Thursday, June 30, 2016

Lunch Break (6/28/16): Press conference planned for mythical brain-eating amoeba

Posted By on Thu, Jun 30, 2016 at 11:58 AM


Results are in from water tests performed at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, and Mecklenburg Health officials will join the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as they share and discuss the outcome at a press conference at 2 p.m. this afternoon. The investigation comes after a teenage girl died from a brain-eating amoeba found in the USNWC’s water supply. Initial samples taken from the park’s rapids tested positive for the amoeba, prompting the USNWC to shutdown water activities. Health officials indicate changes will be made at the USNWC, but admit the amoeba is common and impossible to eradicate completely. (WBTV Staff) 

The power was out yet again at Carowinds Wednesday morning, marking the third time this month that electrical issues have blacked out sections of the park. The outage left passengers stranded aboard rides. Duke Energy blames an equipment malfunction for the latest outage, which struck shortly after the park opened Wednesday morning. Power was restored within minutes, but the effected rides remained closed as the park performed safety checks. (Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer) 

A large piece of debris on northbound I-77 damaged several cars early this morning. Motorists reportedly saw the debris but were unable to safely avoid striking it. The debris was later identified as an axle from a cement truck. No injuries were reported, but more than a dozen stranded vehicles had to be towed off the road. The interstate remained open as the stranded vehicles were removed, with traffic backed up all the way to I-485. By 9 a.m. conditions had returned to normal. (WSOC Staff) 

A Gastonia man was hospitalized after being shot twice in the stomach Wednesday night. His condition is currently unknown. Witnesses say the victim was standing outside of the Quailwood Apartments in Gastonia at around 5 p.m. when he was approached by two male suspects and shot. Gastonia police have not released the identity or condition of the victim, but say they are looking for two male suspects in connection with the shooting. (Fox46 Staff) 

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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Lunch Break (6/29/16): Obama set to visit Charlotte to officially support Clinton

Posted By on Wed, Jun 29, 2016 at 11:30 AM


President Barack Obama has announced plans to travel to Charlotte next week, marking his first official appearance in support of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Obama was originally set to join Clinton for the first time in Green Bay, but the scheduled appearance was postponed in the wake of the Orlando terror attack. Specifics of the appearance have not been revealed, but Clinton campaign staff confirm that both will speak on their vision for the future. (WCNC Staff) 

A man died last night after crashing into another vehicle while allegedly going double the speed limit in a residential neighborhood in east Charlotte. Police say 49-year-old Jonathan Furr was going about 50 miles per hour in a neighborhood where the posted speed limit was 25 miles per hour when he crossed the center line and struck a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Keyosha McVay head on. McVay suffered minor injuries. Police believe alcohol was also a factor in this crash. (Ryan Pitkin) 

Shannon Smith, Jr.
  • Shannon Smith, Jr.
Police are asking for help in finding two suspects, one of which has cut off her electronic monitoring device and another is a new suspect in an assault with a deadly weapon case. Overnight, police signed a warrant for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or seriously injure on 23-year-old Shannon Smith, Jr. in connection with an incident that happened on May 5 on Lynn Street in west Charlotte. Smith is also known to go by the nickname "Philly." (Ryan Pitkin) 

Tonya Kirk
  • Tonya Kirk
Police say Tonya Kirk, wanted for removing her electronic monitoring device, was last known to be at 300 Main St. in Huntersville. She is now wanted for breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, larceny of vehicle, damage to property and tampering with an electronic monitoring device. (Ryan Pitkin) 

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Friday, June 24, 2016

Lunch Break (6/24/16): Anti-HB2 protesters set up outside Pat McCrory/Roy Cooper debate at Westin

Posted By on Fri, Jun 24, 2016 at 12:17 PM


PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASHLEY WILLIAMS
  • Photos courtesy of Ashley Williams

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Roy Cooper and Pat McCrory, North Carolina's two gubernatorial candidates, debated in Uptown Charlotte this morning for the first time, trading barbs on bathrooms, teacher pay and a few other things that have made McCrory's tenure an absolute shitshow. Protesters set-up outside the Westin, where the debate occurred. A few gained access to the hotel but were quickly ejected as they made their presence known. (Ryan Pitkin)

An early morning shooting in west Charlotte left one man dead and a woman injured. The investigation is still underway, but CMPD has revealed that the shooting occurred shortly after midnight, when the two victims were arguing outside near the intersection of Effingham and Tuckaseegee roads. The shooter allegedly drove up to the victims, then fired shots. Relatives of the victim believe that the shooter was targeting the man. The male victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. (Ashton Pellom, WBTV)

A 12-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries Thursday night after driving her go-cart into oncoming traffic and colliding with a car. Reports indicate the child had been driving her go-cart on West Sugar Creek Road near Greene Street at about 9 p.m. when she flew through a stop sign and struck a car. The girl, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from the go-cart and struck by another vehicle. She is currently in critical condition. West Sugar Creek Road was shut down following the collision. (Fox46 Staff) 

CMPD cancelled a Silver Alert for a missing man after his body was discovered this morning in south Charlotte. Samuel Daye was first reported missing Sunday when he reportedly walked out of the assisted-living home where he resided on North Sharon Amity Road. Daye suffered from dementia, and was also hearing-impaired and unable to communicate. CMPD located Daye on Governors Hill Lane and are working to determine whether his death was related to his pre-existing medical conditions. (WCNC Staff) 

The immediate global repercussions of Britain’s history-making decision to secede from the European Union were already apparent this morning, when U.S. stocks took a nosedive. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 2.6 percent at opening, while Wells Fargo and Charlotte-based Bank of America fell three and five percent, respectively. The vote leaves even greater uncertainty for Britain; the GBP fell a staggering 11 percent overnight, and economists forecast longterm damage. Prime Minister David Cameron, who had promised constituents the opportunity to vote on whether Britain would remain in the EU as part of his reelection campaign, announced his resignation this morning in what critics have called a problem of his own making. (Charlotte Observer staff, wire reports) 


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Thursday, June 23, 2016

Lunch Break (6/23/15): Democrats stage House sit-in that lasts throughout the night

Posted By on Thu, Jun 23, 2016 at 12:05 PM


Democrats staged an overnight sit-in on the U.S. House floor last night following a move by the Republican majority to adjourn a vote on new gun control laws until next month. Branded ‘no fly, no buy,’ the proposed restrictions would prevent anyone on the ‘no fly’ list from purchasing a firearm. Democrats wanted the issue to go to vote at Wednesday’s session. When Republicans refused, cries of protest broke out. Cameras broadcasting the session were cut, but Democrats used their phones to live stream video to social media throughout the night. About a dozen Democrats remained on the floor this morning, vowing not to back down. U.S. Rep. Alma Adams of Mecklenburg County was the only representative of North Carolina to participate in the sit-in throughout the night. The politicians continued their sit-in this morning even after Speaker Paul Ryan adjourned House business until July 5. Participants like U.S. Rep. John Lewis have promised to continue their sit-in when the House session resumes.  (Associated Press via Charlotte Observer) 

Police in Rock Hill are still searching for a suspect who shot at officers during a confrontation Wednesday night. The altercation began when police attempted to stop an erratic driver on Cherry Road. The suspect, reportedly driving a 1991 Nissan, appeared to comply by pulling off the road into an apartment complex on Ebenezer Avenue but then jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. Police caught up with the suspect when he reached a fence. The suspect then turned on police, drew a gun and shot at officers. Police fired back, but the suspect was able to hop the fence and escape. (WCNC Staff) 

Governor Pat McCrory signed legislation Wednesday that will attempt to re-draw the original 18th-century boundary dividing the Carolinas. The state line debate began about 20 years ago, when discrepancies from old land surveys were first discovered. The new legislation aims to revert to the original boundary in January, and also outlines plans for tax and property issues that arise for residents unsure of which Carolina they reside in. The difference would be drawn in Union County. (WSOC Staff) 

An Indian Trail man with a record of felony drug convictions was arrested after police conducting a traffic stop discovered a felony amount of drugs in his possession. In addition to drug paraphernalia, Michael Patrick Westmoreland, 51, was carrying a combined 40 grams of cocaine, methamphetamine, and mushrooms. He faces possession and trafficking charges, and is being held on $200,000 bond. (WBTV Web Staff) 

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Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Lunch Break (6/22/16): Break-in at Company Store caught on tape; danger in the waters

Posted By on Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 11:30 AM


The recently opened Company Store in NoDa was targeted in a break-in overnight and the thief was caught on tape kicking the door in. According to co-owner Joey Hewell, the suspect made off with just a small bit of cash after kicking the door in and ripping open the cash drawer. "Luckily it was a Tuesday and we just had a small amount of cash on hand," Hewell said. Hewell posted a clip of the surveillance video in which the suspect, who partially covered his face, can clearly be seen attempting to get into the business with hopes someone will recognize him. Anyone with information is asked to contact the store at 980-859-0441. (Ryan Pitkin) 

Here's a better video of his face.

A video posted by NoDa Company Store (@nodacostore) on


Mecklenburg County commissioners approved a new compensation package last night that will increase their base pay — and that of all county workers — by three percent. Many teachers were on hand at the meeting to protest the pay raise, saying the money should go to education. Although the county does not pay teachers, some in attendance last night believed the money could be used to provide teachers with resources like internet and phone. (Colleen Harry, WBTV) 

An 18-year-old woman's death is being attributed to a brain-eating amoeba she is believed to have contracted during a recent visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The amoeba, called Naegleria fowler, lives naturally in warm lakes during the summer months. It is not harmful if swallowed but can be fatal if forced up the nose. It is believed the victim contracted the amoeba when she and the group she was riding a raft with recently at the USNWC was flipped off of their raft. There are normally under 10 cases of infection caused by Naegleria fowler reported in the U.S. annually. (Fox46 Staff) 

A 42-year-old Delaware man is being treated after apparently being bitten by a shark while swimming off the shore of North Myrtle Beach. The man told officials he was floating on his back when he was bitten on the foot by a three- to five-foot shark. The man was treated for puncture wounds. (WSOC Staff) 

A mentally unstable man was shot and killed by a Cleveland County sheriff's deputy yesterday afternoon. The officer was on scene to assist EMS with a call in reference to a mentally unstable person when an altercation reportedly happened between the subject and the officer, during which the officer fired his weapon, killing the man. Deputy Scott Trammel was hospitalized with injuries to his head and arm but was released yesterday evening. (WCNC Staff) 


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Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Lunch Break (6/21/16): Arrests made in two local fire-related killings; SWAT officer shoots suspect in SE Charlotte

Posted By on Tue, Jun 21, 2016 at 12:21 PM


An armed suspect was shot earlier this morning during a standoff with SWAT officers outside of a Pineburr Road apartment building in southeast Charlotte. Investigators arrived at the apartment at 7:51 a.m. and attempted to serve an arrest warrant to a suspect wanted for a string of armed robberies. When the suspect drew his firearm, a member of the SWAT team fired and the suspect retreated into the apartment. A standoff followed, but additional SWAT officers were eventually able to gain entry to the apartment, remove the injured suspect, and transport him to the hospital for treatment. Per standard procedure, CMPD is conducting an internal investigation. (Madeline Lemieux) 

Southbound lanes on Interstate 85 between Sam Wilson Road and Interstate 485 have re-opened after being closed for nearly an hour and leaving traffic at a standstill following a wreck at 8 a.m. this morning. It’s not clear how many vehicles were involved, but at least two people were transported to the hospital — one with serious injuries. (WBTV Staff) 

Two suspects were arrested Monday in Myrtle Beach in connection to the murder of Amanda Kay Smith, 33, whose burned remains were discovered Friday morning on the side of Leonard Road in Rowan County. Shortly before discovering Smith’s body, fire officials had responded to a burning building on Honeysuckle Lane. Investigators have now confirmed that this was Smith’s home and that the fire was an act of arson. Detectives learned that Smith was last seen in Salisbury with Timothy Clarence Smith Jr. and Stephanie Dawn Hall, and additional information emerged that led police to issue arrest warrants for robbery, arson and murder. The suspects were subsequently located and taken into custody by Horry County police. (WCNC Staff) 

Just a few hours after the Myrtle Beach arrests, Mathew Thomas Benner, 28, was arrested in Nevada and charged with arson and the murder of Amanda Strous, a 27-year old college counselor who was killed when her Steele Creek apartment building was set on fire Saturday evening. Benner lived in the same apartment complex as Strous, reportedly confessed to killing her. Investigators have not revealed any details of their relationship. (Charlotte Observer staff)

A single-car crash Monday night in Caldwell County left a father dead and his 5-year old son in critical condition. The driver, identified as Zachary Quinn Vest, was reportedly speeding down Hartland Road with his son in the backseat when he apparently failed to turn at a bend in the road, flying straight through the curve and striking a tree. Vest, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene, and his son was airlifted to the hospital.


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Monday, June 20, 2016

Lunch Break (6/20/16): Woman found in burning apartment believed killed purposefully

Posted By on Mon, Jun 20, 2016 at 11:30 AM

Police have said they believe the death of a woman found in a burning apartment in the Steele Creek area this weekend was a homicide and carried out by someone she knew. Police officers responded to an assist fire call just after 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and found 27-year-old Amanda Strous inside. She was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Police reported that the initial investigation indicated that the fire was intentionally set while Strous was inside. Detectives have determined that this was not a random act of violence. No arrests have yet been made. (Ryan Pitkin) 

Union County police are looking for a white male believed to be in his mid-30s who robbed a McDonald's in Wesley Chapel this morning. The suspect reportedly held employees at gunpoint while ordering them to open the restaurant's safe. (Liz Foster, WSOC) 

Demonte Hatcher
  • Demonte Hatcher
CMPD officers are looking for 17-year-old Demonte Hatcher, who they say cut off a electronic monitoring bracelet that he was ordered to wear while awaiting trial on charges of breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. Hatcher allegedly cut the bracelet off sometime yesterday and was last known to be on Farmer Street in west Charlotte. (Ryan Pitkin) 

A man was transported by helicopter to a Charlotte hospital after police say he was stabbed in the chest in a Rock Hill trailer park early this morning. There aren't many available details about the incident, but police say a man in his mid-20s was stabbed on Saluda Street at around 7:30 a.m. this morning. (WBTV Web Staff) 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced they plan to hold their parade on Wednesday after becoming the first team to bring a championship to the city since 1964. The Cavs finished off a first-of-its-kind comeback last night after originally going down 3 games to 1 to the Golden State Warriors. Lebron James was awarded the NBA Finals MVP after leading players on both teams in almost every statistical category. (Fox46 Staff) 

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Saturday, June 18, 2016

Freeloading on Father's Day

Posted By and on Sat, Jun 18, 2016 at 11:18 AM


Balling on a budget but still want to show your dad a good time this Father’s Day? Skip the “World’s Best Dad” mug, back away from the photo gifts and give your old man what he really wants: free shit. Tell him to lace up his Curry Twos and get ready for a trip around the city that will have him asking, "Son, are you doing OK... financially?" 

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Tupelo Honey
1820 South Blvd.
Dads get a free side of bacon with any order on Sunday, and bartenders will be serving a special Chocolate Bacon Manhattan all weekend just for the occasion. (Yes, you have to be a dad to get free bacon. Yes, I read the fine print).

Tijuana Flats
8926 JM Keynes Drive.
Your dad deserves to eat like a king on his special day. A free taco and beer for your father isn't a bad start.

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JJ's Red Hots
1514 East Blvd. 
If tacos aren't your dads thing, bring him to JJ's for a free hot dog (they're both just sandwiches anyway). Unfortunately, our signature Fear and Loafing dog isn't available anymore, but Dad will find something to fill the void, we're sure. 

Flying Saucer
9605 N Tryon St. 
This University-area bar has 82 beers on draft, but unfortunately your dad only gets one pint free. You can swing the other 81, right? 

The Pit
346 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville
Pull the race card on ol' dad with a free race at this high-speed go-kart track in Mooresville. Every race after that is half-price for pops. 

Hooters
123 W Trade St., 9807 South Blvd.
Take in the scenery with the man who gave you the birds and the bees talk while he dines on wings. If he buys 10 with a drink, he gets another 10 free. If you try to talk him into giving you those 10, you're just the type of schmuck we made this list for. 

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