CMPD searching for suspects who robbed assisted living home

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are looking for a pair of suspects who reportedly forced their way into an assisted living resident’s home, assaulted and then robbed her.

Police responded to a call at Queen City Assisted Living in west Charlotte late Monday night.

According to a report filed with CMPD, a female resident told police that two men entered her room within the facility, assaulted her and then stole jewelry.

The suspects then fled the scene, the report said.

Investigators are still trying to locate the suspects, as well as determine how they got into the facility.

"We need more security at these homes,” said Christine Whitaker, who lives nearby. “That’s really strange.”

When Channel 9 contacted the assisted living facility, a worker said they couldn’t comment on the situation.

When asked if the victim was available should she want to comment on the incident, the worker said she was not there and then hung up the phone.

An email to the facility’s corporate office asking about the situation and security measures also went unanswered as of Tuesday afternoon.

According to the police report, the victim suffered scratches and bruises and did not have to go to the hospital.

No arrests have been made.

“In a situation like that, where we're talking about an assisted living, someone who is elderly who maybe can't defend themselves, there are a lot of safety measures that people can take,” said CMPD officer Johnathan Frisk.

Frisk said he couldn't talk specifically about the case, but said elderly people, or those in assisted living facilities, can often be the target of crimes.

Frisk said the facility should have security measures inside and outside the premises.

“Having cameras throughout the facility,” Frisk said. “If you have side doors, make sure those doors are shut properly. Make sure someone checks those doors so people can’t come in. Make sure the parking lot is well lit.”

Statement from Queen City Assisted Living:

An incident occurred at our Queen City assisted living community late last night in which two individuals were able to force their way through a side door of the community, and encountered and robbed a resident of jewelry, before fleeing out the same door. Community staff quickly responded and immediately contacted law enforcement. 

The safety and security of our residents is a priority of Queen City and we are working closely with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to investigate and determine what happened, including identifying and apprehending the individuals responsible. The resident involved incurred only minor injuries and did not request further medical attention.  We have notified all residents, their families, and appropriate agencies of this incident.

As this is an ongoing investigation we are unable to provide further comment at this time.

Cox Media Group