Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

Operation Queen City Safe delivered significant disruption of criminal activity across key corridors in our Central Division this past weekend through strategic enforcement efforts and incredible collaboration! Officers worked proactively to curb narcotics activity, take illegal fi****ms out of circulation and intervene with individuals contributing to violence.

This effort was only possible through our strong partnerships with NCSHP, ALE, Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, Department of Juvenile Justice, PSS Cats Security, Mecklenburg County ABC and Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec. Together, we expanded enforcement capabilities and strengthened safety across our community. Thank you to everyone committed to keeping Charlotte safe!

✅ 238 traffic stops
✅ 68 citations
✅ 18 arrests
✅ Approximately 233.3 grams of narcotics seized
✅ 12 fi****ms seized
✅ More than $1,200 in US currency seized

Congratulations to Detective Koeck who was honored as our Detective of the Year during Police Week! As a Fugitive Detective he played an integral role in the decade-long pursuit and eventual capture of one of FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, Alejandro Castillo. His outstanding dedication and investigative excellence were a key component to the success of that high-risk, multi-jurisdictional operation.

In addition to that incredible case, he also maintains the highest caseload in our Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT), coordinating the capture of hundreds of fugitives nationwide while sustaining exceptional clearance rates. His incredible tenacity, perseverance and unwavering commitment to bringing criminals to justice, no matter where they run to, is not only remarkable but also a huge part of making our community and our country safer.

Special shoutout to our 2026 Police-Community Relations Award winners! Nominated by community members for their outstanding service, they have shown that they go above and beyond every day to not only protect our community but to connect with them as well. Their commitment to partnership and problem‑solving continues to make Charlotte stronger. Keep up the amazing work!

What began as a case with no immediate leads quickly turned into a powerful example of teamwork and determination. A coordinated effort between the Steele Creek Division, South Division, the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), and Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) led to the swift identification and arrest of Shaiquailalia Di Ndia Lashi Harris for Felony Hit and Run.

On Saturday, May 9, officers responded to Smithfield Church Road after an eight‑year‑old child was struck by a vehicle. The driver fled the scene, leaving the child injured. The juvenile was transported to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Over the next several days, investigators used camera technology to identify the suspect vehicle’s license plate. On Tuesday, May 19, officers located the registered owner, made contact and after a brief conversation, placed Harris under arrest. A warrant was also obtained to seize the vehicle involved.

This case highlights how persistence, technology and strong collaboration can turn a case with limited information into a successful outcome that protects our community.

For additional details, please reference complaint number 20260509173301.

In celebration of Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month, we honor the Asian American and Pacific Islander officers who serve across our department with dedication, courage and deep pride in their roots. Their stories remind us that our strength comes from the diversity of the people who protect our community every day.

Today we are highlighting some of the incredible individuals whose leadership, dedication and integrity enrich our department and the community we proudly serve.

“This hotel property has functioned as a stronghold for illicit activity, operating as a distribution hub for illegal fi****ms and narcotics,” said Chief Patterson. “The data tells a stark, undeniable story: in 2025, CMPD officers responded to over 240 calls for service at this single location—a staggering, nearly 20% increase compared to the year prior. I am incredibly proud of the investigative work performed by CMPD detectives and officers, as well as our federal partners. When local, state, and federal agencies align their power, we do not just disrupt criminal enterprises—we dismantle them.”

This morning, multiple law enforcement teams executed arrest warrants and search warrants at The Garden Inn located in the 4900 block of Reagan Drive in Charlotte, following a six-month CMPD investigation into the distribution of drugs and guns in and around the hotel. Through surveillance, undercover work, controlled drug buys, and other investigative techniques, investigators charged five individuals with federal drug and gun offenses and an additional six individuals were arrested on state charges. A total of 11 guns were seized along with more than 1,700 grams of narcotics.

Let this be a reminder: We have the will, we have the partnerships and we have the resources. If you are running a criminal enterprise in this city, we will coordinate across every level of law enforcement and work together to shut down your illegal operations for good.

Check out our newsroom for the full media release - link in our bio.