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CMPD nabs man accused of attacking women in Plaza Midwood

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police announced they have captured a prolific robber who, they said, attacked several women in east Charlotte.

Police said the community got involved, helping them take a dangerous person off the street.

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Investigators told Channel 9 that 25-year-old Donovan Davis had approached three different women in the Plaza Midwood area over the last two months and grabbed their purses or their phones.

Investigators told Channel 9 that 25-year-old Donovan Davis had approached three different women in the Plaza Midwood area over the last two months and grabbed their purses or their phones. (WSOCTV.com)

Detectives did not know who the man was but they had a good description of him. CMPD Capt. Torri Tellis said police gave that information to neighbors and community groups and, last week, someone saw a person who matched the description acting suspiciously, and police were able to make an arrest.

“Those extra eyes from those business owners and managers and patrons that actually made that call made this a success,” said Tellis.

“It sounds like it worked out this time and that's what you hope will always happen,” restaurant manager Meredith Laney said. "We all communicate with each other and what's going on in the neighborhood.”

Police said Davis, 25, first struck on Nov. 21, when he allegedly assaulted a woman and stole her phone at the intersection of Central and Thomas avenues.

On Jan. 9, police said a woman was walking to her car near the same intersection when Davis asked her for a cigarette before grabbing her purse and running off.

Then, on Jan. 10, a woman told officers she was walking along Thomas Avenue when Davis approached her, took her purse and fled in a black SUV.

Davis has been charged with three counts of common law robbery and was booked into the Mecklenburg County Jail.

Although Davis is behind bars, businesses and neighbors aren't letting their guard down.

Moo and Brew manager, Justin La Francois, said he’s made a new policy to escort women from his restaurant after hours. “Safety is my No. 1 concern for my employees,” he said.

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