As Captain of CMPD?’s South Division, I have received several inquiries about two separate issues that I know have raised concerns in our community. The first is a series of emails circulating throughout Southern Mecklenburg County and the Weddington area of Union County suggesting that the gang MS-13 is targeting affluent communities for robberies / kidnappings and the second concerns a series of burglaries in South Charlotte. Here is what we know about these two issues. Please feel free to pass this along to others you believe would be interested in the information.
Attempted Kidnapping/Robbery
On December 23, 2007 at approximately 8:00 P.M., a Providence Country Club neighborhood resident was in the street when a dark colored minivan drove up. A male, described by the victim as Hispanic, got out of the van, pointed a gun at him and ordered him into the van. The victim resisted, a struggle ensued and the victim was shot in the leg. Fortunately, the victim did not sustain life-threatening injuries. After being released from the hospital, the victim sent an email out describing the incident. In the email, the victim makes the following statement. ?“Gang initiation is a possibility here... or just money, but we'll never know.?” This incident coupled with a rumor of MS-13 graffiti behind the Arboretum has caused some to believe that MS-13 has targeted Providence Country Club for attacks on citizens.
We have no information currently that would lead us to believe that this crime was anything other than an isolated incident that is unusual for the Providence Country Club Community and the entire South Division. In fact, citywide, there are only a few reports of this type.
Key Points:
?· While gang issues throughout the Charlotte region have grown in recent years, according to CMPD?’s Gang Unit, MS-13 primarily targets rival gangs and it is not its practice to require a certain type of crime to be committed in order to gain membership
?· There was some graffiti reported at the Arboretum last week that the management company quickly painted over, which is what we want
?· I have spoken to the officers who have worked that area for many years and they have informed me that there are not any indications that MS-13 has tagged the Arboretum. The department?’s gang unit tracks reported graffiti throughout our jurisdiction and they are informing me that there is no significant MS-13 tagging in the South Division
?· I have also spoken to Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey and he informs me there is no MS-13 activity in that area of Union County
(South Division is not longer responsible for any of Madison Park but wanted to share this in case any of you heard news or had concerns) Martin Doss, President of Madison Park HOA
By Captain Rod Golding
Attempted Kidnapping/Robbery
On December 23, 2007 at approximately 8:00 P.M., a Providence Country Club neighborhood resident was in the street when a dark colored minivan drove up. A male, described by the victim as Hispanic, got out of the van, pointed a gun at him and ordered him into the van. The victim resisted, a struggle ensued and the victim was shot in the leg. Fortunately, the victim did not sustain life-threatening injuries. After being released from the hospital, the victim sent an email out describing the incident. In the email, the victim makes the following statement. ?“Gang initiation is a possibility here... or just money, but we'll never know.?” This incident coupled with a rumor of MS-13 graffiti behind the Arboretum has caused some to believe that MS-13 has targeted Providence Country Club for attacks on citizens.
We have no information currently that would lead us to believe that this crime was anything other than an isolated incident that is unusual for the Providence Country Club Community and the entire South Division. In fact, citywide, there are only a few reports of this type.
Key Points:
?· While gang issues throughout the Charlotte region have grown in recent years, according to CMPD?’s Gang Unit, MS-13 primarily targets rival gangs and it is not its practice to require a certain type of crime to be committed in order to gain membership
?· There was some graffiti reported at the Arboretum last week that the management company quickly painted over, which is what we want
?· I have spoken to the officers who have worked that area for many years and they have informed me that there are not any indications that MS-13 has tagged the Arboretum. The department?’s gang unit tracks reported graffiti throughout our jurisdiction and they are informing me that there is no significant MS-13 tagging in the South Division
?· I have also spoken to Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey and he informs me there is no MS-13 activity in that area of Union County
(South Division is not longer responsible for any of Madison Park but wanted to share this in case any of you heard news or had concerns) Martin Doss, President of Madison Park HOA
By Captain Rod Golding
