Fans left dismayed after car break-ins at Panthers’ playoff game

CHARLOTTE — Fans left Bank of America Stadium Saturday night processing the Carolina Panthers’ near victory in their first playoff game in a decade, but many returned to their vehicles only to find their windows smashed after a string of break-ins.

Reports indicate that several items were stolen, including cash and personal belongings, prompting police to arrest two suspects about 24 hours later. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department arrested two men for the crimes.

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The Panthers’ game concluded with a disappointing last-second loss, leaving fans like Charles Dillon and Justin Grigg reflecting on a close call. However, their mood soured upon discovering their vehicles had been targeted in a break-in spree while parked near the stadium.

Dillon, a victim from West Virginia, described the damage to his vehicle, stating, “they broke my driver’s side front window, and I have a topper on my truck. They broke the sliding glass side window on that topper as well.” He reported that $200 in cash had been stolen from his console, acknowledging it was his fault for leaving it there.

Grigg, who resides in Lincoln County, returned to find his driver’s side window smashed and personal items, including breast milk pumping equipment, scattered across the parking lot. He expressed dismay, saying, “it was not the sight you wanted to see coming back from a really fun night.”

In total, several victims reported firearms were stolen during the spree, which one victim lamented as unfortunate. Grigg reflected on the broader impact of the theft, saying, “it definitely added insult to injury.”

The crime

Police arrested Anthony Canada and Na’im Stroman-El in connection with the break-ins approximately 24 hours after the game. Both suspects face a staggering 39 charges each for their alleged crimes, including breaking into vehicles, taking guns, cash, clothes and more.

The lot was on Westmere Avenue, a short walk from Bank of America Stadium.

According to police, the person who called 911 was on his rooftop when he spotted people breaking into vehicles by smashing windows with a chain. The caller said the suspects then got into a white Chevy Tahoe. About 5 minutes later, officers spotted a similar car type, a white GMC Yukon, with its passenger door swinging open. CMPD’s helicopter followed the vehicle and reported a jump and run near Statesville/Atando. CMPD arrested Canada and Stroman-El. A third suspect is still wanted.

CMPD says they found one of the stolen guns in the floorboard of vehicle. The affidavit says officers searched the area where the vehicle was spotted with the door swinging open and spoke to a PSS security officer. The PSS officer says he saw 3-5 guns on the side of the road but the officer didn’t secure them. Instead, the officer saw a group of juveniles pick up the guns and run away with them.

However, officials with the Charlotte Area Transit System said those officers were not with PSS and were with a different security agency.

Grigg commended the police efforts, noting, “I just really applaud whoever the detectives or detectives that got on this case, that’s really fast, really great work.”

Upon the suspects’ initial court appearances, both suspects were given bonds of $2 million, but this was later modified to $200,000 for Stroman-El and $530,000 for Canada.

The victims hope that security measures will be improved following this incident. Further legal proceedings for the suspects are expected as the investigation continues.

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