Stolen Vehicle Used in Ram-Raiding Burglary of Charlotte Vape Shop

CHARLOTTE, NC — A tobacco and vape shop in Charlotte suffered severe structural damage after burglars used a stolen vehicle to ram through the front storefront on March 21, 2024.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to reports of a vehicle crashing into a commercial building. Upon arrival, officers found the front facade of the business completely demolished, with shattered glass, bent metal frames, and brickwork scattered across the floor. The vehicle used in the crash had been abandoned at the scene and was later confirmed by police to have been reported stolen prior to the break-in.

According to CMPD, the suspects utilized the vehicle to bypass physical security barriers and gain immediate entry to the store. The perpetrators quickly loaded up stolen merchandise, including various tobacco and vaping products, before fleeing in another getaway vehicle. The store owner faces massive repair bills alongside the loss of valuable inventory.

Investigators are analyzing forensic evidence from the recovered stolen vehicle and reviewing surrounding surveillance camera footage. CMPD asks anyone with information about the incident or the suspects to call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.