CMPD arrest fifth teen in connection with robbery, carjacking spree

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police announced on Tuesday that they have arrested a fifth teenager for her involvment in a robbery and carjacking spree that spanned across the city.

Police arrested 16-year-old Elsy Romero in connection with a robbery that occurred at 5415 Kimmerly Woods Drive on Dec. 30.

some text

(Elsy Romero)

Last week, detectives told Channel 9 that they arrested four teenagers, including two 16-year-olds, for their involvement in the crime spree.

Detectives arrested Kevin Irigoyen, 18, Luis Rivera, 17, Douglas Ramirez 16 and Steven Batista, 16. Investigators said the four are connected to at least 10 robberies or carjackings that took place between Tuesday and Friday in east Charlotte and southwest Charlotte.

(Kevin Irigoyen)

Pineville Police Department said its officers located Irigoyen on Friday in a stolen vehicle that was involved in a carjacking in east Charlotte. Authorities said Rivera was located in Huntersville by the CMPD Mobile Enforcement Team. The two were taken to police headquarters where they were interviewed by detectives.

(Luis Rivera)

Police said information gathered in those interviews helped identify Ramirez as an additional suspect in the case. They said Ramirez voluntarily went to police headquarters where they were interviewed.

(Douglas Ramirez)

Police said Batista was arrested Friday after officers stopped him in a stolen vehicle.

(Steven Batista)

Most of the robberies happened early in the morning at Charlotte apartment complexes.

One victim said the suspects fired three shots after they stole his friend's car.

"I never saw any kind of robbery in my life, and suddenly this thing happened to me," the victim said.

Another victim told police six people were involved in his robbery.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police released a list of incidents the four are connected to:

On Dec. 27, 2016, Hickory Grove Officers responded to 6601 Yateswood Drive in reference to an armed robbery call for service. The victim advised he was attempting to leave for work and saw a vehicle pull up with two subjects inside. A third subject approached him, brandished a firearm and demanded property. The suspects took the victim's wallet and vehicle.
On Dec. 29, 2016, Steele Creek Officers responded to 6625 Dupont Drive in reference to an armed robbery call for service. The victim stated he just returned to his apartment when he was approached by several subjects who ordered him to get out of his vehicle. The victim attempted to run and one of the suspects fired a shot at him. The suspects took the victim's vehicle.
On Dec. 29, 2016, Hickory Grove Officers responded to 5911 Farm Pond Lane in reference to a larceny of vehicle call for service. The victim stated that he went to his vehicle that was parked outside and realized he left something in the house. He went inside his home and came back out and saw his vehicle leaving the parking lot. The victim stated he did not leave his vehicle running and may have dropped his keys nearby.
On Dec. 29, 2016, Hickory Grove Officers responded to 6841 Saddle Point Road in reference to an armed robbery call for service. The victim stated that he was walking down the road and was approached by several suspects that exited out of a vehicle. One of the suspects brandished a firearm and demanded property.
On Dec. 29, 2016, Hickory Grove Officers responded to 6516 Touchwood Drive in reference to a larceny of vehicle call for service. The victim advised she left her vehicle running in the driveway and it was no longer there when she returned outside.
On Dec. 30, 2016, Steele Creek Officers responded to 2008 El Verano Circle in reference to an armed robbery call for service. The victim stated that she went to her vehicle to retrieve property that she left inside. She stated that she noticed a vehicle pull into the complex with several subjects inside. The passenger exited the vehicle and approached her, brandishing a firearm. An additional suspect got out of the vehicle and took the victim's vehicle.
On Dec. 30, 2016, Steele Creek Officers responded to 6625 Dupont Drive in reference to an armed robbery call for service. The victim stated she was sitting her vehicle when she was approached by an armed subject, who demanded her to get out of her car. The subject attempted to take the victim's vehicle, but due to a broken gear shift, he could not drive it. The suspect then left the scene.
On Dec. 30, 2016, Steele Creek Officers responded to 5012 Cherrycrest Lane in reference to an armed robbery call for service. The victim advised he was sitting in his vehicle, when two males approached him and demanded his property at gunpoint. The subjects proceeded to rob him of his money and phone and left the scene.
On Dec. 30, 2016, Steele Creek Officers responded to 6150 Old Pineville Road in reference to an armed robbery call for service. The victim was sitting in his vehicle when he saw a vehicle pull into the parking lot. A subject got out of the vehicle, armed with a firearm and advised the victim he needed his truck and didn't want any trouble. The victim got out of the vehicle and the subject got inside and drove off.
On Dec. 30, 2016, Hickory Grove Division Officers responded to 5415 Kimmerly Woods Drive in reference to an armed robbery call for service. The victim stated he was sitting in his vehicle, when four subjects exited a truck and approached him. One of the subjects was armed with a firearm and demanded money and his car keys. The suspects proceeded to rob him at gunpoint and took his property and vehicle.

Irigoyen was charged with four counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and four counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Rivera was charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Ramirez was charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Batista was charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, robbery with a dangerous weapon, larceny of motor vehicle and possession of stolen motor vehicle.

The investigations are still ongoing. Police said there could be additional charges in the case.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: