Group of teens reported targeting people at Steele Creek shopping center

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said they are working with property managers at the Rivergate Shopping Center to get off-duty police officers at the property. 

The news comes amid a series of social media posts and reports of teen criminal activity in the area, surrounding South Tryon Street and Steele Creek Road. 

Mechul Yeldell said he was the victim in one incident in May, where teens reportedly threw rocks at his car, causing damage to the brand-new vehicle. 

“I didn’t do anything,” he said. “I was minding my business. What disturbs me is how comfortable they were doing it.” 

The social media posts report incidents involving food being stolen, drinks being thrown at others, along with various reports of shoplifting, assault and harassment. 

CMPD’s Crime Map indicates that, over the last month, there have been a series of shopliftings and a non-aggravated assault in the area around Rivergate. 

Yeldell said he has held off on filing his own report about his alleged incident because he wanted to find out more information about who was behind it. 

CMPD confirmed to Queen City News that Rivergate property managers are now going through the permitting process to get off-duty officers to patrol the shopping center. 

Rivergate does have security, but as Yeldell noted, “they cannot do much, and the kids are aware of that. All you do is observe and report and their hands are tied.” 

Yeldell says, with the help of social media, he was able to file a report with possible suspect information.