Pineville Officers Out For Operation Catch Robbery Suspect

Police officers that filled a community Wednesday night trying to crack down on violent crime ended up catching a robbery suspect just minutes after the act.

The officers were out in Pineville for "Operation Clean Sweep", where they went door-to-door in apartment complexes looking for drug and gang activity.

That presence came in hand when police got the call that someone had just robbed the Ultra Tan in the Tower Place shopping center on N.C. 51.

Authorities said around 6:30 p.m. Bradley Kidwell walked into the tanning salon brandishing a knife and demanded money from the person at the desk.

Officers said they caught him minutes later trying to get away on a scooter.

Kidwell, 27, is charged with armed robbery.

Authorities hope the quick arrest will send the message that violent crime won't be tolerated.

"It shouldn't be tolerated anywhere," said April Realmuto. "If you do something bad, you're going to get caught."

The point hit home with Realmuto, who works near Ultra Tan.

"You're always on your guard. You see kids out and you worry about them, but as long as you have police behind you, you feel safer," she said.

While police say crime isn't as prevalent in shopping areas compared to neighborhoods, they say they're going after criminals no matter where they are.

Jerry Austin, who just moved his business to Pineville because of the lower crime rate, says he's glad they're taking a proactive approach.

"If they can be proactive, visible and responsive, I don't know anyone who wouldn't be in favor of that," he said. "As a business owner, I'll sleep better at night knowing they're out and about."

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