CMPD: Fire Dept. captain accused of stealing meds while on duty

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have charged Charlie David Morris Jr., 49, in connection with the theft of prescription narcotics while he was serving as a captain with the Charlotte Fire Department.

On Tuesday, the Charlotte Fire Department was assisting Medic at a residence in the Charlotte home.

While emergency crews were inside the residence assisting the patient, Morris took prescription pills belonging to the patient, CMPD officials said. Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department were notified of the theft and immediately began an investigation along with agents from the State Bureau of Investigation.

A police report obtained by Eyewitness News listed the victim as physically disabled.

During the investigation, detectives said they determined Morris took seven Dilaudid pills while at the residence.

Morris admitted in an interview to taking medications, according to Charlotte Fire Department Chief Jon Hannan. Morris resigned Thursday.

Hannan said Morris was remorseful in his resignation.

"We violated a sacred trust,” Hannan said.

Hannan said he personally drove out and apologized to the family Thursday.

Detectives obtained a warrant on Morris for misdemeanor larceny and earlier Friday afternoon, Morris voluntarily turned himself in to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.

This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are pending.  As additional information develops, it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs.

WSOC