CMPD: Armed man flees after robbing Freedom Dr. Cook Out

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An armed man held up the Cook Out on Freedom Drive at about 7 a.m. Wednesday, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department detectives are asking for the public's help to find the robber.

The thief brandished a firearm and demanded money from a victim before running off, according to a news release from the CMPD.

The thief is described as a black man, about 5 feet 9 inches tall with an average build and was last seen wearing black jogging pants and a hooded sweatshirt.

"Trouble happens at all times and it's unfortunate because it makes you want to not go lots of times because you're afraid," Betty Oates, who lives nearby, said.

Police don't have enough information to connect this robbery to two others that happened nearby, but the circumstances are similar.

On Aug. 7, police said a suspect tried to rob a KFC on Freedom Drive. A few weeks later on Aug.27, the Aldi's on Freedom Drive was robbed.

In both cases, the suspect was armed and took off on foot.

Luwanna Smith works nearby and came to the Cook Out to eat Wednesday afternoon, not knowing what happened earlier in the morning.

"Everybody just be careful, keep your eyes open. Don't forget, it's the holidays," Smith said.

Neighbors said they aren't surprised to learn this happened there but they plan to be extra careful now.

"Whenever I come or wherever I go I always look, watch my surroundings because you just never know what's going to happen," Oates said.

Anyone with information concerning this case or the robber is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.