Longtime CMPD officer dies while at home, chief confirms

WAXHAW, N.C. — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer died at his Waxhaw home on Tuesday, the chief announced.

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said Airport Division (Ret.) Officer Anthony “Tony” Crawford had been with the department since 1989. He was one of the first bike patrol officers and community coordinators in the Central Division.

Crawford was part of CMPD’s security team for the Charlotte Hornets, and had been since the team started. The department said he was counted on around the Spectrum Center and will be “truly irreplaceable.”

Chief Jennings said Crawford retired from CMPD in 2013 but was hired back that year to be part of the Airport Division.

“We ask for prayers of comfort, healing and peace during this time of grief for his family, fellow officers and for all who knew and loved him,” Jennings said. “We appreciate your support during our time of bereavement.”

Channel 9′s Genevieve Curtis spoke with community activist Mario Black who knew Crawford.

Black said Crawford was a genuine officer and was influential in his life growing up in the Earl Village neighborhood.

Channel 9 has confirmed the circumstances of his death are under investigation.

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