Police arrest teenagers in connection with light rail attack

CHARLOTTE — Police have arrested two teenagers who they said attacked and robbed man outside an uptown light rail station.

Authorities arrested Erick Hunt, 18, and Tiree Waymar, 18, in connection with Tuesday night's attack around 7 p.m.

Investigators said the victim was leaving his job at Bank of America and preparing to take the light rail when Hunt walked away from a large group of teenagers on the platform and attacked the victim, punching him in the head and face and stealing his cellphone.

Police said Hunt tried to run away along with Waymar, but the victim was able to flag down assistance.

"He was able to find a police officer who was working off duty nearby, and the police officers were able to get in there and luckily make a grab on the guys that did this," said Capt. Mike Campagna.

Authorities said while the victim was not seriously injured in the attack, similar robberies are on the rise.

"Citywide, more than 80 percent of people who are robbed are by themselves. Phones are a consistent target throughout the city," Capt. Campagna said.

Passengers told Channel 9 the robbery was worrisome, but said they were not surprised by the crime, as that end of the Blue Line is often desolate and empty.

"The security, folks who be patrolling the area -- I rarely see them down here," said passenger D. Wall.

Hunt and Waymar remain in the Mecklenburg County Jail and will face a judge on Thursday.

WSOC