Benjamin Taylor rejected a plea deal in the death of Markayla Johnson and her two young kids. The case now heads to trial with the possibility of life in prison.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Benjamin Taylor, the man charged with killing Charlotte mother Markayla Johnson and her two children in March 2024 before fleeing to California, pleaded not guilty Thursday, sending the case to trial. 

Taylor appeared in court on Thursday, facing three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of concealment of an unnatural death and one count of habitual felon. He pleaded not guilty to all charges during Thursday’s hearing, rejecting a plea deal offered by the state. 

Prosecutors offered Taylor a chance to plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and concealment of an unnatural death. Had Taylor accepted the deal, he would’ve been sentenced to up to 560 months in prison. Now, the offer is off the table as the case will head to trial. 

“He pleads not guilty to the subsequent offenses and denies his status as a habitual felon,” Taylor’s defense attorney said. 

If convicted of first-degree murder, Taylor faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. The trial is scheduled for Dec. 31. 

Court records show that Taylor is scheduled for an in-person arraignment at 2 p.m. on June 12. Taylor faces a slew of charges in the case, including murder. Prosecutors announced last August that they would not seek the death penalty against Taylor. 

Taylor was arrested in Imperial County, California, one day after investigators found Markayla Johnson’s body. His arrest came nearly two weeks after Johnson’s family reported her missing, saying they hadn’t spoken to her since January.  Johnson’s children, 4-year-old Miracle Johnson and 7-month-old Messiah Johnson, were found dead in the trunk of Taylor’s vehicle. 

A judge denied bond for Taylor, saying he was a “tremendous danger” to the public. 

An autopsy revealed that Messiah Johnson died of fentanyl. He also had cocaine in his system, which was ruled as a contributing factor in his death. Additionally, the child had melatonin in his system, as well as diphenhydramine, commonly known as Benadryl. 

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.  […]

Harrison’s Law would elevate hazing charges for students to a Class A-1 misdemeanor. It would also create a new felony offense for hazing by school officials.

HICKORY, N.C. — Punishments for hazing on college campuses could soon get stricter in North Carolina under a proposed bill moving through the General Assembly, honoring the life of a Lenoir-Rhyne University student who died due to hazing.

Harrison’s Law would strengthen penalties for hazing incidents and create new offenses for school officials who engage in such behavior.

In 2008, Harrison Kowiak was a sophomore at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory when he decided to pledge a fraternity. Only weeks later, he lost his life to hazing when he was repeatedly tackled onto a frozen field, causing a fatal brain injury at 19 years old.

“He had such a bright potential future ahead of him,” Lianne Kowiak, Harrison’s mother, said. “He never played tackle sports, and so he just got tackled one too many times he hit his head on the hard field. Remember, it was November, so the field was hard.”

That tragedy gave Lianne Kowiak a new purpose: preventing similar incidents from happening to other families. She has spent the years since working with organizations like the Hazing Prevention Network and speaking about her family’s experience to students.

“Nothing can bring Harrison back, but if there was anything that we could do to ensure that another student is not hazed or doesn’t lose his or her life to senseless hazing, so that another family, a grandparent, another dad, another mom does not have to suffer like we did, then it is time well spent,” she said.

If passed, Harrison’s Law would elevate hazing charges for students from a Class 2 misdemeanor to a Class A-1 misdemeanor. The legislation would also create a new felony offense for hazing by school officials, including teachers, administrators, or coaches.

“It became apparent that there was a gap where, if school personnel engage in hazing behavior, there was not an avenue for that to be addressed,” Sen. Amy Galey, a Republican from Alamance County who sponsored the bill, said.

The bill has already passed the Senate and is now moving through the House with bipartisan support. It moved through committee unanimously last week. There is also a companion bill in the House.

Kowiak also emphasized that the main thing she wants people to remember is to always call 911 in emergencies.

If the bill is passed, it will take effect this December.

Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram. […]

Charles Rodell Kincaid III is now charged with first-degree murder.

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot due to the nature of the alleged crime and the ongoing investigation.

Another suspect is now facing charges tied to the mass shooting that unfolded at a party in Catawba County earlier this month.

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that Charles Rodell Kincaid III was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder. Information about his bond or a first court appearance were not immediately available.

Deputies said Kincaid’s charge is connected to the crimes that five of the other suspects were charged with. Those suspects are Garon Killian, Toland Huff, Zachary Bates, Ke’andre Mack and Izaiah Mitchell.

Kincaid is the latest suspect to face charges in the shooting that killed one person and resulted in injuries for 11 other people. He now joins Killian, Huff, Bates, Mack, and Mitchell as suspects in the investigation, along with Zoe Makenna Braswell, Raekwon Malik Craig, and Patrick Lee Tolbert.

RELATED: Catawba County deputies seeking owners of phones found at scene of mass shooting

The gunfire erupted June 1 at a large, organized pool party in the Walnut Acres community, an event that was promoted on social media and drew a crowd of about 100 people. There was also an admission fee to get in before the night turned chaotic.

Some of those injured suffered gunshot wounds while others were injured fleeing the gunshots, according to officials.

RELATED: Mother speaks after son’s arrest in Catawba County mass shooting

Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings. 

Download WCNC+ on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV, and stream the news that impacts you for free. […]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Multiple agencies are on the scene of a serious crash in southeast Charlotte. 
Medic and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police responded to a crash near the intersection of Glendora Drive and Monroe Road around 2:30 p.m. The agency confirmed that one person was taken to Novant’s Presbyterian Hospital with life-threatening injuries. 
Charlotte Fire, CMPD and Medic are all on the scene. It’s unclear if any other injuries have been reported. Drivers should avoid the area until further notice while crews work to clear the scene and assist anyone who was hurt in the crash. 
WCNC Charlotte has a crew heading to the scene to learn more details. This article will be updated once we have more information. […]

Our VERIFY team breaks down how to stay safe when crossing roads in Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Traffic islands across Charlotte have sparked confusion among pedestrians and drivers alike. The cutout in the median resembles a pedestrian crossing, but with no painted lines, many are asking: Is this considered a crosswalk?

Let’s verify how to stay safe.

OUR SOURCES:

THE QUESTION:

Is a refuge island considered a crosswalk?

THE ANSWER:

No, a refuge island is not considered a crosswalk.

WHAT WE FOUND: 

“By the textbook definition of a crosswalk, you would need painted lines,” said Zaverl. “This is an ability to cross — if we dare you to cross.”

The city stated these unmarked median cutouts are known as pedestrian refuge islands. They are designed to provide a safe stopping point for pedestrians crossing multi-lane roads, allowing them to find a gap in traffic in one direction at a time.

“This island provides an opportunity for pedestrians to cross without walking to the traffic signal. This location is not considered a crosswalk as there are no pavement markings present to establish one,” said Charlotte officials.

However, these islands are not considered legal crosswalks. Under North Carolina law, pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing outside of a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

Zaverl acknowledged that while these islands serve a purpose, they highlight a broader issue in pedestrian infrastructure. 

“If you didn’t have this, you would be walking a lot of miles out of your way just to get across the street,” he said. “So it provides a solution that needs to be improved.”

No matter the mode of travel, Zaverl emphasized the need for constant awareness. 

“Whether you’re walking or cycling, there is no relaxing — you’re always paying attention,” he said.

Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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The NCSBI reports that David Kevin Hamilton remains in jail under a $2 million bond.

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the alleged crime and because additional victims are being sought by authorities.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has charged a Caldwell County man, accusing him of human trafficking crimes involving a juvenile.

Agents said David Kevin Hamilton turned himself in to jail voluntarily Wednesday night. He’s charged with one felony count each of human trafficking a juvenile and promoting prostitution of a juvenile. He remains in custody under a $2 million bond as of publication.

The NCSBI notes the investigation is still ongoing, and more charges could be filed. The bureau is also seeking the public’s help with identifying any possible victims. Anyone with information about Hamilton can contact their local law enforcement agency or call the NCSBI Human Trafficking Unit directly by calling (919) 662-4500.

The Longview Police Department and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office were credited for assisting the bureau with the investigation.

If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina. 

Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings. 

Download WCNC+ on your on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV, and stream the news that impacts you for free. […]

A new report found what salary you need in order to live comfortably in all 50 states.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Do you make $93,766 a year? If so, you meet the threshold a new study says you need in order to live comfortably in North Carolina.  

SmartAsset put out the 2025 study showing what it takes in all 50 states to live a comfortable lifestyle. “This means being able to afford hobbies, vacations, retirement savings, education funds, and the occasional emergency – in addition to necessities like housing, groceries, transportation and medical expenses,” the study authors say. 

The cost of living across the U.S. has increased, with SmartAsset saying someone in any given state needs to make about $5,844 more than last year, while families of four need about $9,360 more. 

In North Carolina, an annual salary for a single adult needs to be at least $93,766, using the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (50% to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to long-term goals). In South Carolina, that number is $92,144, and in Tennessee it’s $91,478.

For a family of four, $210,746 is needed annually in North Carolina. South Carolina families must earn $208,333 per year. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

After a costly policy change, Gastonia reversed course—agreeing to cover in-kind services so a local Juneteenth festival, EbonyFest, could go on as a city event.

GASTONIA, N.C. — Gastonia’s Juneteenth celebration is stepping into the spotlight in a new way for its seventh year.

EbonyFest — a community tradition since 2019 — is now officially recognized as the city’s Juneteenth festival, following weeks of public advocacy and city council discussions.

What began as a small event run by HELP Carolina with fewer than 500 people has grown into a two-day celebration drawing up to 3,000 attendees, featuring food trucks, live music, vendors, and fireworks. 

RELATED: What is the Juneteenth flag and what does it represent?

But this year, festival founder Tasha White faced a major challenge: A new city policy, which took effect in January, requiring nonprofits to pay for city services like police, road closures, and sanitation — support that had previously been provided in-kind.

The cost to host EbonyFest under the new policy: more than $15,000.

“I knocked on every door possible because of that bill,” White said. “I just wanted them to look at the cost and see if anything could be defrayed so we didn’t have to pay so much.”

She brought her appeal to Gastonia’s City Council on May 20, where Councilwoman Cheryl Littlejohn made a motion to designate EbonyFest as a city event — not just to help cover the costs, but to give Juneteenth the same recognition as other nationally observed holidays.

“Juneteenth is a federally recognized Independence Day. So is the Fourth of July,” Littlejohn said. “We wanted the same equity across the board.”

By the end of the meeting, the city agreed to support the event this year, and on June 3, councilmembers unanimously voted to designate EbonyFest as Gastonia’s official Juneteenth festival moving forward. 

Starting next year, it will be held as a one-day city event on whichever day Juneteenth falls.

“I never expected the outcome we received,” White said. “Them accepting it as a city event and making it the city’s Juneteenth festival.”

White also had the support of Mayor Richard Franks and explained that changes to the in-kind services policy were meant to control costs.

“We were spending in excess of $200,000 on in-kind services,” he explained. “Another councilperson wanted to do away with them altogether, and I got outvoted. It’s an expense that should have been incurred. It should have never been taken off the books because it is a national holiday.”

Now, as an official city event, EbonyFest will benefit from expanded support — including city-led promotion, greater access to downtown parking, and additional logistical resources.

“It’s not a made-up holiday, it’s a real thing that affects real people,” White said. “If we can honor the Fourth of July, what’s one more day to celebrate?”

This year’s EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival takes place Saturday, June 14, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Rotary Centennial Pavilion, with a parade down Main Street at 3p.m. 

The celebration continues on Juneteenth — Thursday, June 19 — from 6 to 10 p.m., capped with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

City leaders say they also plan to revisit the in-kind policy again in the near future to consider how it affects other community events.

Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram. […]

Americans looking for a safe and affordable place to raise their kids may want to consider Concord, researchers say.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Safety and affordability are often top of mind when it comes to finding a place to raise a family, and a new study shows that one Charlotte suburb might be a premier destination for new parents. 

According to GOBankingRates, Concord is among the most affordable and safest cities in America, coming in at No. 12 overall. Concord is the only city from either North Carolina or South Carolina to make the top 50.  Concord’s median household income is $84,752, with the average single-family home valued at $380,202. The property and violent crime rates are both low and researchers found the average family could have up to $25,000 left after covering essential costs. 

Overall, the South performed well in the study, with 23 Southern cities making the top 50. Texas led all states with 19 cities, including Sugar Land (No. 2), Allen (No. 6), Frisco (No. 8) and Odessa (No. 36) among the Lone Star cities on the list. 

10 most affordable, safest cities for families

Fishers, IndianaSugar Land, TexasLeague City, TexasNaperville, IllinoisCarmel, IndianaAllen, TexasMcKinney, TexasFrisco, Texas, Huntsville, AlabamaOlathe, Kansas

GOBankingRates analyzed cities with populations of at least 100,000 to determine which are the safest and most affordable for a family of four. Researchers defined a family of four as a married couple with children whose oldest child is between ages 6 and 17. Key factors included median household income, property and violent crime rates per 1,000 residents, the average value of a single-family home and the annual cost of living. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

TEGA CAY, S.C. — Tega Cay leaders are expected to discuss allowing golf carts at night. 
If approved, Tega Cay would be the first South Carolina city to let people ride golf carts at night. The possible move would come after state lawmakers approved a bill requiring passengers under 12 to wear a seatbelt when golf carts are on public roads or highways.  […]

A formal announcement is expected at 1 p.m. at Piedmont Triad International Airport.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — After months of speculation, JetZero will officially build its new factory in Greensboro at Piedmont Triad International Airport, a move expected to create nearly 15,000 local jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact.

The news was revealed at a meeting of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Economic Investment Committee, which passed a motion to move the project forward. At the meeting on Thursday morning, it was revealed that 14,564 jobs will be created in Guilford County from 2027-2036 with an average wage of $89,340.

The company plans to invest $4.7 billion in Guilford County by December 31, 2036, according to the Economic Investment Committee. JetZero will receive an incentive package from the state worth $1.5 billion, as well as an estimated additional $784 million worth of incentives from Greensboro and Guilford County.

It took over a year for JetZero to find its new site. According to the Economic Investment Committee, the company required a 10,000-foot runway and the availability for additional infrastructure.

A formal announcement is expected to come at 1 p.m. at an event at Piedmont Triad International Airport.

JetZero, a California-based aviation company, began as a startup in 2021, but the company has since received contracts from the U.S. Air Force, United Airlines, Delta and Alaska Airlines. JetZero hasn’t produced any aircraft to this point, but it says it’s working on getting a model ready for testing in 2027.

JetZero plans to bring a new design to commercial aircraft. The company’s blended-wing-body plane aims to provide 50% better fuel efficiency over traditional commercial jets while delivering 50% lower carbon emissions. The company plans to build these aircraft at the new Greensboro factory.

The Economic Investment Committee also said JetZero will create a state-of-the-art innovation center “serving as the nation’s premier hub for stitched composite structures, driving the research, development and deployment of advanced high-performance composite materials and manufacturing methods.”

The first rumblings of JetZero’s plans to build a new factory in Greensboro began in April, when the company announced Piedmont Triad International Airport as one of five finalists for the facility. In May, JetZero said Greensboro had made it into the top three.

JetZero is the second major aviation company to put down roots in Greensboro in recent years. In 2024, Boom Supersonic opened its supersonic airliner factory near Piedmont Triad International Airport.

Shortly after the meeting of the Economic Investment Committee, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners met to receive public input on a proposal that would allocate over $75 million in incentives to an “unnamed manufacturing company,” and the Greensboro City Council met to discuss “economic development project” incentives.

On Wednesday, WFMY News 2 spoke to John Boyd Jr., who works in corporate site selection with The Boyd Company, Inc., a firm that advises companies where to build their next facilities.

Boyd said JetZero’s decision to come to Greensboro could represent an economic impact of around $100-$150 billion over the next 20 years. This type of windfall could lead to more hotels, retail spaces, restaurants and other projects that would help the city thrive in the coming years. […]

One person died after a shooting in Charlotte’s University City area, prompting a homicide investigation.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One person was killed in a shooting in the University City area of Charlotte on Wednesday night, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. 

The deadly shooting happened on Hyde Pointe Court at 11:26 p.m.

The victim, who was identified as an 18-year-old man, was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries.

Homicide detectives are now investigating the case. 

WCNC Charlotte’s crew on the scene observed a large police presence in the area on Thursday morning. 

Police are asking for help from the public. Anyone with information can call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) to speak with a detective or call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 to leave an anonymous tip.

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one 

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.  […]

The victim was found dead at the Parkstone at Indian Land apartments early Thursday.

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — A man was found shot to death at an apartment complex in Lancaster County early Thursday, deputies said. 

Lancaster County officials responded to a reported shooting at the Parkstone at Indian Land apartments around 3:30 a.m. on June 12. When deputies arrived, they found a 26-year-old man dead in the parking lot from a gunshot wound. Investigators haven’t released the victim’s name at this time. 

Lancaster County says it hasn’t received any other reports of injuries, but a truck in the parking lot appears to have been struck by gunfire. Multiple units were called to the area and spoke with potential witnesses while collecting evidence. Investigators don’t believe there’s any threat to the public at this time. 

“Although we have already developed important information about the victim, we have not identified a suspect or suspects,” Sheriff Barry Faile said. “I hope anyone out and about when this shooting occurred, who saw or heard anything will call us with that information.” 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3388. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.   […]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bojangles, one of the most iconic brands in the Carolinas, could soon have a new owner. 
However, sources told the WSJ it’s also possible that the company will decide not to sell at all. Bojangles hasn’t issued any comments on the matter at this time. 
Bojangles was founded in Charlotte in 1977. The company has hundreds of locations across the country with plans to open 30 locations in the Los Angeles area over the next six years.  […]

Ronald Devine pleaded guilty to failing to pay payroll taxes while operating BK Racing. The team competed in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2012 to 2017.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former NASCAR team owner Ronald Devine pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to failing to pay payroll taxes, the latest legal setback for the former BK Racing owner who faces millions in court judgments.

Devine, 68, admitted to failing to account for and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in payroll taxes between 2012 and 2017 while operating BK Racing, which competed in the NASCAR Cup Series. The case was prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.

According to court documents, Devine transferred more than $2 million in payroll tax funds to other businesses he owned and controlled instead of paying the required federal taxes. The funds were supposed to be held in trust to cover income taxes and Social Security and Medicare contributions withheld from employees’ paychecks.

Devine was released on bond following his plea. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set.

The guilty plea adds to Devine’s mounting legal troubles. In April, a federal appeals court upheld a $2.5 million judgment against Devine and associate Michael DiSeveria in a case involving the sale of a NASCAR charter to Front Row Motorsports.

In January, the same appeals court upheld a $31 million fine against Devine for failing to comply with court orders in bankruptcy proceedings.

BK Racing operated from 2012 to 2018, fielding cars for drivers including current Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman, Corey LaJoie and Matt DiBenedetto. The team’s best finish was a sixth-place result at Bristol with DiBenedetto in April 2016.

The team filed for bankruptcy in 2018, with its assets, including NASCAR charters sold at auction.

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The victim told police the man forced himself onto her after helping carry groceries to her apartment.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man was arrested after investigators alleged he attempted to sexually assault a woman after helping her carry groceries into her apartment. 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police responded to a reported assault along Fernwood Drive on June 5. When officers arrived, the victim said she was physically assaulted by a man who forced himself onto her. 

The woman said she got off the bus after leaving a food pantry when the suspect approached her and they started talking. The suspect, identified as Kristopher Shonte Davis, put his phone number into the victim’s phone after showing her his ID, police said.

The victim told police that Davis repeatedly asked to help her with the groceries, and she said no multiple times before eventually relenting to his requests. When they got to the victim’s apartment, she told Davis he could leave the bags at her door. Davis insisted on bringing them inside and the victim agreed. 

Once inside, Davis allegedly put the bags down and told the victim he intended to have oral sex with her. According to the police report, Davis slapped the victim twice when she told him no and that she wasn’t interested. He then grabbed for her clothes, which prompted the victim to scream and make a run for the leasing office. 

The victim said she was so scared that she urinated herself. She was taken to the hospital by Medic at her request. Detectives confirmed her pants had urine on them. 

An employee in the leasing office told CMPD that she heard a loud scream and saw the victim run past her with the suspect chasing her. She said the suspect turned around and ran away when he realized he’d been seen. CMPD officers spotted Davis in the area and took him into custody on an unrelated warrant out of Buncombe County. 

Detectives say that Davis agreed to talk about the incident and admitted to meeting the victim and asking to help with her groceries. Davis allegedly told officers that the victim “freaked out” for no reason inside her apartment and said he ran from the scene “because he likes to jog places.” he was charged with attempted second-degree sex offense and assault on a female. Davis was given a $100,000 secured bond. 

Investigators say that Davis has a long history of female assault charges and is also a suspect in a separate sexual assault case where a victim stated she woke up to Davis having sex with her. CMPD says the victims in each case are strangers. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Crews from the Matthews Fire Department and Charlotte Fire Department responded to the scene of a house fire in Matthews early Thursday morning. It happened on Sardis Glen Drive.
Fire crews at the scene told WCNC Charlotte the fire started on the back porch of the house. 
One person was inside the house at the time of the fire, but they got out without major problems. It took firefighters about 25 minutes to put the fire out, and there was no major damage to the house other than the back porch. 
The Matthews Fire Department is investigating the fire, but at this time the cause is believed to be accidental. The house has a for sale sign, but neighbors told WCNC Charlotte that people have still been living there.   […]

Police posted a video of the burglary on their YouTube page and are hoping someone can identify the suspect.