CMPD: 9-year-old threatened with knife in attempted robbery

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A shocking crime in a north Charlotte community -- not only because the victim was so young, but because the neighborhood is one considered generally safe.

Authorities said a 9-year-old boy was a victim of an attempted robbery at knifepoint while playing basketball on the outdoor courts at Croft Community Elementary School on Sunday afternoon.

According to police, the boy told the two robbers he didn’t have any money and the pair ran away.

Police said they’ve identified the suspects in the case – two other young boys, ages 9 and 11.

“They’re kids! They should be playing,” said Benita McNealy, who lives across from the school. “They should not be running up on each other with knives and trying to take from one another.”

Regardless of the suspects’ ages, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said they take the robbery seriously and the young suspects may face juvenile charges when police finish investigating.

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools spokesperson told Channel 9 the district didn’t notify parents because the crime happened over the weekend and there was no threat to the school.

Cox Media Group