3 Dumb Crooks and Swift Water Justice

In a story perfect for MSM 3 would be shoplifters picked the wrong day to steal from a Burlington Coat Factory store in Charlotte, NC.

In the end one was arrested, one died and one was still missing and/or on the loose late Friday night.


Gracie Johnson Deceased

The offical CMPD press release is below and the Charlotte Observer story is here.

Detectives with the Missing Persons and Homicide Units of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are conducting a death investigation near the 2200 block of Crown Point Executive Drive. The call for service came in at 2:21 p.m., Friday, August 5, 2011. The victim has been identified as Gracie Nell Johnson, DOB: 01/26/1968.

Independence Division officers received a call for service in reference to a larceny call from 2516 North Sardis Road/Independence Boulevard at the Burlington Coat Factory. Upon their arrival, one subject was secured in custody, while the other two subjects fled the scene. A loss prevention employee ran after the subjects on foot. A short time later, it was discovered that the store employee and the two unknown subjects had entered the creek behind the business park. Charlotte Fire Department was called to begin a swift water rescue of the missing subjects. The employee made it out of the creek and advised officers and fire personnel of the last sighting of the two subjects. After a brief search, one of the subjects was located in the creek, deceased. The search still continues for the remaining subject.

CMPD’s Canine Unit and Civil Emergency Unit were called to assist with the search efforts as well. Crime Scene Search responded to both locations to process the scene and collect physical evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Terry Brandon is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. For additional information, reference CMPD complaint number 2011-0806-142103.