CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — For months, Channel 9 has reported on the frustrations from some in the Charlotte community over suspects accused of violent offenses being irresponsibly released from the Mecklenburg County Jail on bond only to commit more crimes.
The head of the Kannapolis Police Department said they are facing consequences of a court system in Mecklenburg County.
“We have to send a united message that enough is enough,” KPD Chief Terry Spry said. “The judicial system in Mecklenburg County -- it is time for them to step up.”
Spry, Concord Police Chief Gary Gacek and Cabarrus County Sheriff Van Shaw are frustrated.
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Their officers protect Cabarrus County, but they said that job is becoming more dangerous because of what happens in the Mecklenburg County court system.
For example, Michael Sio-Somah was charged with first-degree murder for a deadly shooting at an uptown Airbnb. He was placed under house arrest as he awaits trial.
“It’s decisions like this that compromises public safety,” Gacek said. “People are less safe when a first-degree murder defendant is let out to do whatever they want, wherever they want, whenever they want.”
Deputies said they spotted Sio-Somah speeding Thursday, but he took off and ran into a Concord house before they arrested him. Deputies also found a gun.
“It is tough enough to get up every day and put this uniform on and go out and put your life on the line with the unknown,” Van Shaw said. “But this was known. This could have been prevented.”
The top officers said Mecklenburg County’s judicial system is failing. They said that Sio-Somah should have never been released and that his arrest highlights a bigger problem which is suspects walking free from the Mecklenburg County Jail to commit crimes in other counties.
They want change -- before their worst fears come true.
“(Like) having to bury another officer or to investigate a murder that was avoidable,” Gacek said.
Court officials wouldn’t comment on Monday.
District attorneys across the state, including in Mecklenburg County, are calling on lawmakers to consider preventative detention to keep certain defendants in custody for public safety.
The district attorney wants Sio-Somah’s bond revoked. His bond hearing is Tuesday.
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