CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dozens of people were arrested after protests in uptown turned violent last month, and now Channel 9 is learning exactly how police were able to track down the people they say were responsible for damaging several businesses in the Queen City.
The protests began after the deadly officer-involved-shooting of Keith Scott.
SPECIAL SECTION: Keith Scott shooting
After those protests became violent, a small team of detectives was tasked with finding those responsible for the damage that was left behind.
Officers said they started by reviewing surveillance video from businesses, then used social media to help identify specific people involved.
They sent out photos to all Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers to help make the final arrests.
“It's not just good enough to catch them in the act on video, but we actually positively identify them and say without a shadow of a doubt this is the suspect we need to charge in the offense,” CMPD said.
Officers issued 120 warrants, and 31 people were charged with crimes in the aftermath of the riots.
Detectives Recognized for Arrests of Looters and VandalsA small team of Central Division Detectives is credited with identifying and charging approximately 31 people in connection with violence that broke out in Charlotte last month. Hear them explain how they made the cases:
Posted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on Monday, October 17, 2016
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