Police say teens are suspected in string of robberies

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they’re investigating four robberies, all involving teens.

One happened Monday night and three happened over the weekend. Eyewitness News dug through police reports to find out how they were able to link them all together.

Bob Pratt said he was sore Tuesday after he said he was attacked by three young teenagers.

"I had a pretty good knot on the back of my head, but I put ice on that so that's down," Pratt said.

Police said the suspects are a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old. Pratt said he had just parked his car at his apartment complex in north Charlotte Monday night and was walking to the door when it happened.

"I got caught from behind and put in a chokehold," he said.

Pratt said he fought back, but the teens knocked him to the ground. That's when they were able to get in his car, he said.

"They never went for my wallet or anything. They just wanted the keys, which I still had. Then I pulled out my phone and dialed 911,” he said.

Pratt said he was able to get a good look at the teens as they took off.  Police said his description of them matches the same for three other robberies over the weekend.

Police said the three teens attacked a pizza delivery man on Black Walnut Lane while he was outside of his car. According to the report, the victim was kicked and punched several times and was hit in the back of the head with a wrench. The suspects tried to steal his keys, police said.

K-9 officers with dogs were able to track and arrest the teens Monday night, police said.

Neighbors Eyewitness News spoke to were glad, but think the teens’ parents should be held accountable.

"I don't know if punishment is the best thing. I don't know what’s going on at home," said Sara Ferris.

Pratt thinks they deserve jail time.

"You have to stand up for what you've done, and I think a little punishment will be well deserved," he said.

The teens are all charged with several counts of robbery and conspiracy.

WSOC