Man in custody after hours-long SWAT situation in east Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested and charged Todd Cox after an hours-long SWAT situation at an east Charlotte apartment complex early Friday morning.

(Todd Cox)

SWAT officers surrounded an apartment unit at the Peppertree Apartments on Central Avenue, near Kilborne Drive., just after 3 a.m.

Police said a family inside the apartment called 911 to report that Cox had a gun and wouldn't let them, including children, leave their apartment.

When CMPD arrived, the man barricaded himself inside of the apartment. Police said he was armed.

Police officers evacuated several families at the apartment complex during the five-hour standoff. CATS buses were brought in to keep them warm and some residents were taken to the community pool house for safety.

SWAT officers were able to safely remove the family members from the unit and were able to talk to Cox.

Authorities told Channel 9 that police broke down an apartment door and took him into custody around 7:30 a.m.

Channel 9 reporter Gina Esposito heard a loud boom just as officers entered the unit.

Police said nobody was hurt.

Mecklenburg County offiicals said counselors will be sent to the apartment complex to talk with children about the incident and look for signs of emotional distress.

Cox was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and assault with a deadly weapon with minor present.

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