CMPD continue search for man who robbed Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police spent Saturday searching for the man they said robbed Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones at gunpoint.

It happened as Jones was headed to a popular shopping center on N. Davidson Street in NODA Friday night. He was supposed to watch his son in a play.

"The gentleman said to me that he did not want to kill me and to give him everything," said Jones.

In that moment Harry Jones realized what he did next could mean the difference between life and death.

"Stupid and scared is a bad combination ... I said 'this guy's stupid this guy's scared -- he may bring harm to me,' so we complied."

The gunman took his wallet and his wife's purse and ran toward the street.

The parking lot of the shopping center is usually fully of activity and people often are eating at a popular 24-hour bakery nearby, too.

"It don't normally happen around here," said Solomon Roseborough, who works at a barber shop and salon in the area.

Eyewitness News pulled crime statistics that showed only a handful of violent crimes in the area. Police called it an isolated incident and Jones vowed he wouldn't let the situation steal his peace.

"I don't look over my shoulders, I'm not gonna walk around scared and frightened."

Police said the suspect is a black male about 5 feet 5 inches. He was wearing a hoodie. After the robbery they said he took off towards Mattheson and N. Davidson roads. When he got to that intersection they said he met up with another man who was there waiting for him and ran off. Police brought in K-9 units, but they weren't able to pick up a scent.

WSOC