CPD, CMPD arrest suspect in retail crime spree

July 23. The Cornelius Police department announced this week that its Crime Reduction Unit obtained and executed a search warrant that led to the arrest of Charlotte resident Tony Williams.

Police allege that Williams, 34, was responsible for over $100,000 in thefts at sites throughout the Charlotte area in the last three months. A CPD spokesperson said the crime spree included retail stores in Cornelius.

Cornelius Police formally charged Williams with five counts of felony larceny, and have pending warrants for his arrest for felony organized retail theft and felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The arrest was made during a month’s long investigation dubbed, “Every Rose has its Thorn,” which was a collaboration between the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and a number of retailers to identify the suspect.

During the execution of the warrant, approximately $15,000 worth of stolen property was located and returned to victims. Police also recovered a stolen vehicle and seized a loaded firearm.

The warrant was served on the 2100 block of Prospect Drive in Charlotte.