Charlotte Rattled by Armed Robbery at Local Clothing Store
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A quiet evening turned into a dramatic scene at Variedades Arka, a small clothing store tucked away on South Boulevard in south Charlotte. On the evening of Friday, November 1st, just before the sun completely set, a masked armed robber walked in, sending shivers down the spines of the two women present in the store.
The Audacious Heist
It was around 6:30 p.m. when the chaotic events unfolded. Customers and employees usually go about their evening shopping without a care, but this time was different. Xiomara Caldaran, who was working that evening, recounted her experience in an emotional interview. “He was like, ‘Give me the money. Give me the phone,’ and I’m so scared,” she said, looking shaken by the memory.
The store was bustling with life – filled with clothing, shoes, and accessories. Just like any other day! But then, in a flash, the atmosphere turned tense. Surveillance footage captured the moment the intruder entered, brandishing a handgun and demanding cash. The footage is chilling, showing the robber pointing the weapon directly at Caldaran as he commanded her to comply.
A Vulnerable Situation
While the incident was incredibly frightening for everyone involved, it was particularly gut-wrenching for Caldaran, who revealed that her mother owns the shop. As the masked man rummaged through the store, he boldly checked the cash register and stole money from a customer’s wallet. “I feel bad because she had a lot of money there,” Caldaran lamented, showing empathy for the woman who was just there to shop.
As the robber made his escape, he had the audacity to instruct the two women not to call the police, leaving them both shocked and terrified. The stress of such a harrowing experience can leave lasting impressions, which is why the community is rallying together to help find this dangerous suspect.
The Role of Law Enforcement
Detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are on the case, working tirelessly to track down the man responsible for this crime. Detective Jacqueline Clyburn, who is currently involved with Crime Stoppers, expressed her concern for small businesses like Variedades Arka. “It’s very disheartening because these are small businesses, and they don’t need any setbacks,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of community support and vigilance.
Clyburn has urged anyone who may have seen the robbery or has any information to come forward. She mentioned the distinct nature of the robber’s face covering and any unique mannerisms that might help build a profile of the suspect. These small details can make a big difference in solving the case.
Community Outreach for Information
To aid in the investigation, the police have requested the help of the community. Men, women, and teens alike are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for anything suspicious. If anyone has information that could be valuable to the investigation, they can reach out anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Not only can callers remain completely anonymous, but they may also be eligible for a cash reward should their tip lead to an arrest.
The police understand the importance of community involvement when it comes to combating crime, especially in situations like this where small businesses are often the targets. As we wait for more updates, the hope is that someone out there has the missing piece of the puzzle that could help put the bad guy behind bars and restore safety in our neighborhoods.
