Gunman Thought Barricaded Inside Store Actually Got Away: CMPD

CHARLOTTE, NC — An armed man who police and SWAT teams initially thought had barricaded himself inside an Advance Auto store during an armed robbery in west Charlotte Friday morning got away, according to police.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers and the SWAT Team converged at the store, located at 2910 Freedom Drive near Alleghany Street after an armed suspect entered the store shortly before 8 a.m. brandishing a small handgun and demanding money.

“Officers are near 2900 Freedom Drive and are currently implementing deescalation tactics due to an armed suspect who is believed to be alone inside of a building. Everyone is asked to stay away from the area as officers work to peacefully deescalate the situation,” CMPD said on social media.

But when officers went into the building, he was nowhere to be found.

"Members of the SWAT Team have determined the suspect is not inside the business and had fled prior to police arriving," CMPD said.

According to CMPD, the suspect is now believed to have exited through a back door. He is described as a black male 5-foot, 9-inches tall. He was wearing blue jeans, a dark hooded sweatshirt, a gray toboggan and tan boots. He was also carrying a dark bag.

Police urge anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.