Suspect kidnapped driver after convenience store robbery, CMPD says

CHARLOTTE — A man is accused of kidnapping someone after robbing a convenience store, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Police said just after 1 a.m. on April 28, they were called to the 7-Eleven at 4800 North Graham Street near Equipment Drive for an armed robbery. Officers said William Morgan, 53, is accused of robbing the store at gunpoint.

The suspect left with a pack of Newports and $60 cash but at the time, the clerk didn’t know.

Sgt. Brian Scharf with CMPD’s Robbery Unit said a customer on her way home from work walked into the 7-Eleven during the armed robbery. He said Morgan allegedly followed her out of the store and jumped into the back seat of the SUV she had arrived in.

“He follows her out before she can get the door, locks in the vehicle she was riding in,” said Sgt. Brian Scharf.

And then --

“The suspect jumped in the back seat, pointed the gun at the driver, and said ‘drive.’”

Scharf said the woman was getting a ride from someone who was operating his own driving service at the time. Morgan is accused of forcing the driver at gunpoint to take him to meet his friend Jeremy Nash. Nash also got into the car, police said.

The woman begged the suspect to let her go and he did, investigators said. Then, the driver was forced into the trunk space of the SUV.

“The suspect told her, ‘You can go but he has to die,’” Scharf said.

Police said the woman called 911 after she was released. Scharf said she was able to give a plate number. Around 3 a.m., the city’s Real Time Crime Center got a hit.

Officers found the car less than 10 miles from where it all began and tried to pull the car over knowing the victim could be inside.

“There’s a potential for hostage situation,” Scharf explained.

“It’s a difficult situation when you have an innocent victim so close,” he added.

Officers arrested Morgan and Nash and learned they both had extensive criminal histories. They were also able to free the kidnapped driver.

“There is no doubt in my mind she had a big hand in saving his life,” Scharf said.

Once they had Morgan in custody, investigators learned he served time in prison for a murder that happened during an armed robbery.

In this case, Morgan is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Nash, 28, is charged with kidnapping.

Scharf said the situation could have been much worse and credits a quick response by officers that night.

“Once we realized who he was, the officers without a doubt saved his life,” Scharf said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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