CitizenObserver

Solicitation phone calls

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:53:55 GMT

Some Matthews residents have been receiving phone calls from a company by the name of Universal Ad Company who are attempting to sell "911 magnets".

The people calling are stating that a portion of the money from the sell of these magnets goes back to the Matthews Police Department or some have said to the Town of Matthews. This is a false statement as this company has not been authorized to use the name of the Matthews Police Department nor the Town of Matthews.

If any resident receives calls from this company or any other company claiming to solicit for the Matthews Police Department please call the Matthews Police Department to report it at 704-847-5555.

Citizen Police Academy Application Deadline Extended

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:44:20 GMT

The Citizens Police Academy, which will begin on February 2, 2012, is a nine week program that is designed to build a stronger relationship between the community and the police department through education. It is open to residents and individuals who either live or work in the town of Matthews. The Academy participants will meet once a week at the Matthews Police Department on consecutive Thursday evenings. Classes begin at 6:00pm and are scheduled to conclude at 8:00pm. Due to additional space available the application deadline has been extended through January 16, 2012. Applications are available on our website at www.matthewspolice.org or by visiting the police department in person Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. For further information please contact Corporal L. Valdes at lvaldes@matthewspolice.org or by calling 704-845-1651.

Water line break

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:16:41 GMT

Matthews Town Hall was notified by CMUD that there is a broken water main in the 3000 - 3200 blocks off Crescent Knoll Dr, Matthews. Repairs are underway by CMUD and are expected to take approximately 4 to 6 hrs. There are no fire hydrants affected. However, homes in this area will have a small supply of water as the repair is made. Streets affected are Golden Hill Rd, Old Pond Ln, Bridgemere Terrace, Sunnyview Cr, Ezra Ct, Ridgebury Terrace, Terra Glen Ct and Mara Ct.

Traffic alert notification Sam Newell Rd.

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:27:46 GMT

Sam Newell Road in Matthews between Independence Blvd and Northeast Pkwy has opened back up after the repairs to the water line break were completed this afternoon.

Water Main Break - Traffic Alert

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:21:38 GMT

Sam Newell Road is closed between Independence Blvd and Northeast Parkway due to a 16 inch water line break. Crews are currently working on the repair. CMUD is estimating that the repair will take all day (Wednesday, Dec. 28). At this time everyone in the area has water. Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Traffic Alert for Wed. Nov. 30th

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:02:29 GMT

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011, Duke Power will be doing construction work at the intersection of the 1900 block of Matthews Township Parkway and the ramp leading eastbound to Highway 74. This is at an entrance to the Mattthews Festival Shopping Center.

There will be no power to the traffic lights at that intersection from 10 am to 3 pm. Two Matthews Police Officers will be directing traffic during the period that the traffic lights are out, so please use caution in the area.

S. Trade St. has re-opened to traffic

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:37:19 GMT

S. Trade St. has re-opened to traffic. One lane is still closed while crews repair damaged utility poles near the entrance to MARA athletic fields. Please use caution and watch for lane shifts as you are directed through the work site.

S. Trade St. Closed at MARA Ballfield

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:12:42 GMT

South Trade St. has been closed between Fullwood Ln. and Weddington Rd. A motor vehicle crash that knocked down a utility pole in front of the MARA ballpark has made the road impassible. Utilities crews are on the way; however it is expected to take several hours before the roadway can be cleared. Alternate routes are required for vehicles traveling through the area. Surrounding neighborhoods to the athletic fields are still accessible. An update will be sent as soon as the road re-opens.

Important Safety Event and Carnival Saturday

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:01:48 GMT

On Saturday October 29th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM the Matthews Police Department is holding Operation Medicine Drop and a Shred-It event in the parking lot on the corner of S. Trade St. and McDowell St. adjacent to Stumptown Park.

Operation Medicine Drop is an effort to collect unused and unwanted medications. Misuse and accidental poisoning by ingesting medication are a leading cause of unintentional death for children, so proper disposal and awareness about the issue is extremely important. Your unwanted medicine will be incinerated without contaminating water or soil. Officers will de-identify personal information or feel free to black out names on pill containers prior to dropping them off. Syringes, Sharps, and Radioactive drugs will not be accepted.

Now days the most likely way a person can become a victim of a crime is through fraud and identity theft. For this reason, we have teamed up with Shred-It, a Charlotte based document destruction company, to offer a safe and secure place for people to bring records and documents that contain personal information so they can be properly disposed of without the possibility of getting into the hands of a criminal. Certified on-site destruction will occur with all materials being recycled.

There will also be an exciting event going on in Stumptown Park, located at 120 S. Trade St. from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It is the Town’s annual “Not So Spooky Halloween and Safety Carnival”. There will be appearances by the Danger Rangers, McGruff the Crime Dog, Blaze from the Charlotte Fire Department and Curley the Clown. Food, music, games, crafts, bounce houses, hay rides, children’s costume parade and much more will all be there and there is no cost to participate. Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for pedestrians. Thanks to our partners Safe Kids Charlotte Mecklenburg, we will have many items and information available for children and parents to help prevent injuries related to trick or treating along with other child safety organizations. We hope you will bring the kids out in costume and take advantage of this great event.

Rabies Advisory for your area.

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:54:04 GMT

This is to warn the residences near the end of Elizabeth Lane and Reverdy Lane to include surrounding neighborhoods, that a rabid raccoon was recently captured. That animal was confirmed to have rabies. Today a second raccoon was captured in the same area and is believed to also be rabid.

It is important to remind everyone not to attempt to help or touch sick or injured animals, especially wild life in the area. Do not try to assist domestic animals that have recently had exposure to a suspected sick animal either. This disease can be transferred from animal to animal and then to a human. Rabies can infect animals any time of the year, but especially during the current season. If you see a sick or injured animal, wild or domestic, notify the Matthews Police Department Animal Control Unit at: 704-847-5555 immediately. If you would like more information about this issue please visit our web site at: http://www.matthewsnc.com/Departments/AnimalControl.aspx.

E. John St. closed between I-485 and Union County

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:31:08 GMT

E. John St. (Old Monroe Rd.) is currently closed between I-485 and Stallings/Union County line due to a natural gas leak. Repair crews are responding to the scene at this time. It is expected that the road will be closed until at least 6:00 PM or later. Please use alternate routes if planning to travel in this area.

Matthews Alive Begins Friday Important Information and Street Closings

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:43:28 GMT

Road Closings for Matthews Alive! Festival

The Matthews Alive! festival begins tomorrow (Friday Sept. 2nd.) and runs until Monday evening (Sept. 5th). The festival is a large scale downtown event that requires road closures and adds a significant number of people to Matthews for Labor Day weekend. If you are driving to the event, or around the downtown area, please be aware of temporary no parking zones and detours. Those driving through Matthews should choose alternate routes to avoid congestion and travel delays. Please be aware of the following dates and times for road closings:

Friday, Sept. 2nd - S. Trade St. from Main St. to John St. closing between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM.

Saturday, Sept. 3rd - S. Trade St. from Main St. to John St. and N. Trade St. from John St. to Matthews St. closing at 8:30 AM for the Parade. Additional street closings of Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. from Independence Point Parkway. to N. Trade St. will begin at 9:00 AM. East and West John St. near Trade St. will close at approximately 10:00 AM. S. Trade St. from Fullwood Ln. towards downtown will also close around 10:00 AM. Immediately following the parade, at approximately 12:00 PM, streets will reopen except for S. Trade St. between Main St. and John St. for the festival.

Sunday, Sept. 4th - S. Trade St. from Main St. to John St. closing at 11:00 AM.

Monday, Sept. 5th - S. Trade St. from Main St. to John St. will remain closed and reopening after 9:00 PM. Several other downtown roads will be closed periodically between 8:00 AM and 10 AM for the 5K Foot Race.

For a complete list of weekend events, please visit www.matthewsalive.org. We invite you to join us for this exciting festival!

Recent Telephone Frauds

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:11:21 GMT

The Matthews Police Department is investigating some recent reports of telephone fraud. Victims have received calls, either as someone impersonating the victim’s grandchild or a friend of the grandchild, and use a false story to convince the victim to electronically wire money to the suspect. In the latest cases, they are given instructions to wire money directly to a bank account in Spain.

If you have received such a call, and especially if you have wired money to such a caller, please telephone the Matthews Police Investigative Division at (704) 847-7755.

It is unfortunate that individuals take advantage of our care for family members and friends, but we must remain suspicious and focused whenever a telephone caller is asking for money. Please DO NOT EVER PROVIDE BANK ACCOUNT INFORMAITON OVER THE TELEPHONE. No reputable bank would ever ask for that information over the telephone. You should also be suspicious of any unsolicited e-mails that require you to link from the message to another site. Always independently confirm any information whether it is over the telephone or internet before sending money or providing personal information about yourself.

For more information on protection from frauds and scams, please visit the NC Department of Justice web site at: www.ncdoj.gov.

Schools Open Next Week - Important Information

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:44:25 GMT

This alert is being sent as a reminder that students will be returning to Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools on Thursday August 25, 2011. Drivers are asked to allow for extra travel time due to increased traffic congestion, and pay close attention to children who will be walking to and from school or bus stops. Please be aware that many school times have changed this year that will create different traffic delays than before. Several private schools are also starting next week with increased vehicle traffic around their locations.

Police officers will be paying close attention to traffic enforcement throughout town, in addition to the school zones. You should also be aware that the fine for speeding in a school zone has increased to $250.00 this year. To assist you in preplanning routes and preparing for slow or stopped traffic, we are providing the times that the various schools throughout Matthews will be in session.

Butler High School 7:15 AM – 2:15 PM

Covenant Day School 7:15 AM to 8:15 AM (Arrival Time Range)

Matthews Elementary School 7:45 AM – 2:45 PM

Elizabeth Lane Elementary School 7:45 AM– 2:45 PM

Carmel Christian School 7:45 AM – 8:45 PM (Arrival Time Range)

Crown Point Elementary School 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM

Crestdale Middle School 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Tips for travelling safety around schools and buses:

Allow yourself extra travel time if you normally travel through a school zone on your way to work or during your daily travels.
Do what you can to minimize distractions in your vehicle; don’t text and drive, keep your eyes on the road, buckle up yourself and all occupants before you start moving.
Even in the presence of sidewalks, most causes of pedestrian child injury are “dart outs” so drivers should be vigilant when travelling around neighborhoods and school in the morning and afternoon.
If a crossing guard is present, you are required by law to obey the stop signs held out by those crossing guards. When you approach any crosswalk, be prepared to stop if a pedestrian is near the crosswalk. Once the pedestrian enters the crosswalk, you as a driver must yield to the pedestrian until they have completely crossed the street.
When approaching a school bus that is stopped or in the process of stopping. When a school bus has its yellow lights on, this means you may proceed with caution (not to exceed 20 mph if outside school zone) but be prepared to stop. When the school bus turns on its red lights and/or puts its stop sign out, you must stop from both directions, not closer than 15 feet from the bus, when traveling on a two-lane road.

E. John St. has partially re-opened

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:11:07 GMT

Traffic is now allowed to travel on E. John St. from Union County towards downtown Matthews. Vehicles traveling towards Stallings from Matthews will continue to detour through Clearbrook Rd. and Greylock Ridge due to one lane still closed. The I 485 ramps have also re-opened. Crews are still working in the area to make repairs; however the natural gas leak has been contained.

E. John St. Remains Closed on Matthews side of I 485

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:54:55 GMT

Due to complications repairing the gas leak on E. John St. near I 485, the roadway will remain closed for an extended period of time. Traffic congestion in the area because of the detour is causing a vehicle back up on to I 485 requiring the exit ramps to be shut down. Avoid travel in this area if at all possible due to heavy traffic congestion and limited direction options.

E. John St. Closed on Matthews side of I 485

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:07:41 GMT

E. John St. is currently closed due a natural gas leak in the area of Greylock Ridge and and Clearbrook Rd. Workers are on the scene at this time and it is estimated that the road closure will be until approximately 11:00 AM. Local traffic is currently being detoured through the ajoining neighborhoods; however, due to heavy traffic in the area, it is suggested that motorists avoid the area completely.

Roads Closed Due to Flooding

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:16:48 GMT

Sam Newell Rd. near Independence Point Parkway is closed due to the road being flooded. Additional flooding is occurring around the Crestdale community and Tank Town Rd. Please use extreme caution if driving in this area. Avoid traveling in these areas if possible and never drive accross a roadway that is covered by water.

Travel lane blocked E. John St./Old Monroe Rd. at Stallings/Union County Line

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:43:54 GMT

Please be aware that a disabled tractor trailer is blocking a travel lane on E. John St./Old Monroe Rd. near the Union County line leaving Matthews. Please avoid this area due to heavy traffic congestion that is expected to last until after 6:30 PM.

Rabid Racoon

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:05:39 GMT

This is to warn the residences in and around the 900 Blk. of Sam Newell Rd., that a rabid raccoon was apprehended Wednesday, July 27, 2011.

It is important to remind everyone not to attempt to help or touch sick or injured animals, especially wild life in the area. While rabies can infect animals any time of the year, summer is especially bad for this disease. If you see a sick or injured animal, wild or domestic, notify the Matthews Animal Control (704-847-5555) immediately.

Fake phone calls

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:27:42 GMT

People have been receiving an anonymous phone call from a voice machine identifying themselves as the State Employee Credit union. Message states over the phone that the persons debit card was inactivated and that they needed to enter their account number to reactivate it.

The local branch in Matthews states that this is a scam and do not enter your account number nor any other information it may ask for. They do not send out phone messages asking for account numbers. They also stated that they have been receiving phone calls all day concerning this false request.

E. John St./Old Monroe Rd. has re-opened

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 17:57:35 GMT

The motor vehicle crash has now been cleared from the roadway on E. John St./Old Monrore Rd. Normal traffic flow has resumed.

E. John St./Old Monroe Rd. Closed at Stallings/Matthews Town Limits

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:21:36 GMT

Due to a serious motor vehicle crash, E. John St./Old Monroe Rd. is closed at the Stallings/Matthews town limits. Due to heavy traffic congestion, please avoid this area and choose an alternate route. A follow-up will be sent when the roadway is clear.

Suspicious Solicitation

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:59:37 GMT

Recently there has been information circulating within several neighborhood e-mail groups in South Charlotte, Northern Union County and Matthews about a subject soliciting business. This subject has also been reported on in recent local news articles. The business is for a pet waste removal service under the name “Poop Van Scoop”. The person reportedly traveling through neighborhoods attempting to promote the business is Robert Stephen Smith; he is a white male 42 years of age with short or balding brown hair, 5’11” tall and approximately 175 pounds in weight. A photo is attached to this message. He may also be operating a dark colored four door passenger car similar to a Toyota Camry NC license plate ABE 9535.

As a precaution, and to verify information that has already been disseminated by other means, you should be aware that Robert Stephen Smith is a convicted sex offender with a long history of criminal activity. If Mr. Smith is attempting to solicit business within the Town of Matthews than he may be in violation of the town’s peddler permit ordinance. For this reason, it would be advisable to contact the police department at 704-847-4069 if you are aware that the solicitation of business is occurring so an officer can respond to take appropriate action.

It is always recommended that suspicious activity be reported to the police department as soon as possible, and a good reminder to everyone, especially children, to be cautious and not approach people who they do not know.

Traffic Construction

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:23:14 GMT

Traffic construction has begun on South Trade St. between Weddington Rd. and downtown Matthews. Road work is scheduled to conclude for the day at 4:00 pm. Please plan alternate routes or plan for delays due to traffic congestion in the area. The second phase of this project is scheduled to begin after the S. Trade section on Sam Newell Rd. between Matthews Township Parkway and U.S. 74.

Area Road Construction Begins Today

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:50:37 GMT

The N.C. Department of Transportation will begin improvements on 16.9 miles of roads in Mecklenburg County Monday, April 4, weather permitting. Some of the roads affected are within the Town of Matthews.

Motorists may encounter some delays as the following roads are resurfaced in our area:

0.8 miles of Sardis Road from N.C. 51 to the end of state maintenance;
0.5 miles of John Street from N.C. 51 to Trade Street in Matthews;
1.9 miles of Sam Newell Road from Independence Boulevard to Margaret Wallace Road;
0.5 miles of Margaret Wallace Road from Idlewild Road to Olde Creek Trail.

The completion date is September 1. Crews are permitted to work on some roads during the day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and also overnight, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Updated travel information is available by calling 511 or online at www.ncdot.gov/travel. Access updates and travel information directly from your smartphone with NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website found at m.ncdot.gov.

NCDOT reminds motorists to stay alert and obey the posted limit.

For more information on this project, please call the resident engineer at (704) 847-5015.

UPDATE Pleasant Plains Rd. has re-opened

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:41:48 GMT

Emergency workers are clearing from the scene of the house fire on Pleasant Plains Rd. at this time. The roadway is now open to vehicle traffic.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire and the cause is still under investigation.

Pleasant Plains Rd. Closed Due To House Fire

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:58:00 GMT

Pleasant Plains Rd. has been closed from the intersection of Weddington Rd., at the end of South Trade St., to Privette Rd. for emergency workers dealing with a house fire in the area. A follow up alert will be sent when the road re-opens to vehicle traffic. Please use Weddington Rd. as an alternate route to avoid the area.

Holiday Crime Prevention

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:53:14 GMT

Please be aware that the holiday season, with increased shopping activity, creates an attractive opportunity for criminals. Thieves often target busy shopping areas and homes this time of year knowing that valuable items will be easier to obtain. Laptop computers have become a common item to be stolen, keep all passwords secure and not with the equipment so accounts cannot be easily accessed. Please read and consider these crime prevention tips:

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips At Home:

Don’t display gifts beneath the Christmas tree that can be seen from windows or doors.
After the holidays, don’t advertise gifts received by the boxes left for the garbage collection. Destroy boxes and place in a sealed, non-clear garbage bag.
Use lighting timers if you plan to be away from home overnight.
If you plan to be out of town, make your neighbors aware of the dates and whether or not anyone should be in or around your home.
Have a neighbor pick up mail and newspapers if you plan to be away for more than a couple of days.
Have packages delivered to a location that will be occupied during delivery hours or have a neighbor watch for them so they are not left at the door.

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips In Parking Lots:

Shop early and leave early to avoid evening darkness.
Park in a high visibility area and check for lighting in case you leave during hours of darkness.
Do not park next to a vehicle with dark tinted windows.
Prior to arriving at the shopping center, lock all your valuables in the trunk of your vehicle.
Never leave anything of value in view from the outside of your vehicle.
Leave the store with others, not alone.
Watch for people who may be following you. This can occur inside as well as outside. If you suspect someone following you, report it immediately.

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips While Shopping:

Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
Shop with a friend, there is safety in numbers.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Pay for purchases with a check, credit or debit card.
If possible, carry only your driver’s license, personal checks, or necessary credit or debit cards.
If you must carry a purse, do not wrap the straps around your arms or shoulders. Carry a clutch purse tightly under your arm or wear a fanny pack.
Do not carry a wallet in a back pocket. It should be placed in a front pocket of your pants for safety.
When possible, slip bags/purchases in a plain nondescript bag.
Do not leave your purse, or any personal items of value, in a shopping cart. Being distracted for only a brief moment is an opportunity for them to be stolen.
Educate your children about what to do if they are lost as well as “Stranger Danger”.
Have your car keys ready in hand before leaving the store.
If you do return to your vehicle to unload purchases, place them in the trunk of the vehicle.

Matthews Citizen Police Academy

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:18:59 GMT

The Matthews Police Department is pleased to announce the Citizen Police Academy for 2011. The Academy is a nine week program that is designed to build a stronger relationship between the community and the police department through education. It is open to residents and individuals who work in the Town of Matthews. The academy will begin Thursday February 10, 2011.

Information provided throughout the program is intended to help with misunderstandings about law enforcement and create an awareness of challenges and limitations that face police. The Citizen Police Academy is not designed to train attendees about how to be police officers. The intent is to create a hands-on interactive program that will assist with strengthening the partnership between the Matthews Police Department and the community it serves.

Participants will meet once a week on consecutive Thursday evening’s beginning on February 10^th through April 7, 2011. The academy will be held at the Matthews Police Department located at 1201 Crews Rd. Classes are 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees will also have the option to arrange a 4 hour ride-a-long with an on-duty patrol officer.

This program is free to the public. Applications are currently being accepted and are available at www.matthewspolice.org, by e-mail at communitysafety@matthewspolice.org, or you can visit the police department Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Space is limited and the deadline for applications is Friday January 14, 2011at 5 p.m. A pdf version of the application is attached to this e-mail that can be completed and printed on your computer. Applications must be completely filled out, signed and sent to the Matthews Police Department by personal delivery (M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), mail, or faxing to 704-845-5824.

In order to apply for the Academy:

· You must be 18 years of age or older

· Live or work within the Town of Matthews

· Must not have been convicted of, or have any pending charges for, any felony, or serious misdemeanor within the last 5 years

· Agree to a criminal background check and personal references will be contacted

Door to Door Solicitation

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:19:30 GMT

The Matthews Police Department has recently received several complaints about door to door solicitors. In these cases there are two white females in their late to mid 20’s that are going to homes stating that they are selling magazine subscriptions. One of the stories they tell is that the proceeds will somehow support troops fighting in Iraq. They have also made statements about being affiliated UNC-Charlotte. Preliminary investigation has shown that the statements are not true and this is likely a scam to obtain money without providing anything in return. If you have anyone approach your residence that fits this description please contact the police department at 704-847-5555 so an officer can respond and investigate.

Please be aware that the Town of Matthews has an ordinance regulating door to door sales. Anyone conducting business within the Town must obtain a permit from Town Hall. Background checks are done on anyone who is considered for a permit, and the legitimacy of their business is verified. The permit must be carried by the solicitor along with approved photo identification and provided upon request. If you believe there is anyone operating in violation of this ordinance, please contact the police department. For more information about this law, go to www.mathewspolice .org and click on the Ordinances/Laws tab or follow the link below:

http://www.matthewsnc.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fyOZZAlG2XQ%3d&tabid=157

Home Break-In Today

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:31:55 GMT

Shortly after 12:00 Noon today, October 18, 2010, a home on Hargett Rd. in the Fairfax Woods neighborhood was broken into. The home was occupied at the time of the incident by the homeowner. In this case the suspect approached the front door, rang the bell and knocked. When the resident did not answer the suspect kicked in the front door to enter the home. When confronted by the homeowner inside, the suspect fled to a vehicle that was waiting for him. There were no reported injuries as a result of this incident.

The suspect is described as an African American male, late 20’s or early 30’s in age, about 5’9” tall, approximately 200 pounds with a stocky build and short black hair. He was wearing a brown t-shirt and blue jeans. The suspect left the scene as a passenger in a dark blue Chrysler Pacifica. A photo of a similar vehicle is attached. There is no description of the driver at this time.

It is important to warn residents that whenever someone knocks on your door, you should acknowledge them and make your presence known. You do not have to unlock or open the door, but should speak through a closed door or window. If there is a suspicious person around your home, please call the police immediately. If you have any information about this case, please call the Matthews Police Criminal Investigation Division at 704-847-7755. To report suspicious activity or person(s) call 704-847-5555 or 911.

Power restored - NC51 Lanes Closed for Repairs

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:32:32 GMT

Early this morning a tree limb fell on a power line causing an electrical transformer to short circuit. The power outage affected the area of NC 51/Pineville-Matthews Rd. causing area residents, businesses, schools and traffic signals to lose electricity. The area was from Sam Newell Rd. south to Elizabeth Lane. Duke Energy encountered problems fixing the line that delayed repair time. The problem has been fixed and power is now restored.

While working on the power outage, emergency personnel detected an odor of natural gas in the area. A small leak was discovered under NC51/Pineville-Matthews Rd. by Piedmont Natural Gas workers at Sardis Plantation Dr. Due to road work required to reach the gas leak, both southbound lanes of the roadway are closed just past Sardis Rd. Traffic is directed to use the left turn lane to get past the construction area. The lane closure is expected to last into the afternoon causing some traffic delays in the area. Road repair is expected to be completed before the evening rush hour.

Power Outage in Matthews

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:51:34 GMT

There is a power outage in Matthews along the Highway 51 corridor. This is causing traffic lights to be out starting at Sam Newell Rd. and Hwy 51, (Matthews Township Parkway), all the way to Alexander Road near Providence High School. Power is also out at Elizabeth Lane Elementary School. This outage is expected to last approximately 2 hours. Duke Power is on scene working on the outage.

Power outage

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:37:07 GMT

East John St closed at Matthews/Stallings City Limits

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:56:27 GMT

Due to a traffic crash East John St./Old Monroe Rd. is closed at the Matthews/Stallings city limits. The road is expected to be closed for approximately one hour (until 2:00 PM) while the scene is cleared and the preliminary investigation is conducted.

School Openings and Traffic Information

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:24:49 GMT

Police officers will be paying close attention to traffic enforcement throughout town, in addition to the school zones. To assist you in preplanning routes and preparing for slow or stopped traffic, we are providing the times that the various schools throughout Matthews will be in session.

Butler High School 7:15 – 2:15

Matthews Elementary School 7:30 – 1:45

Covenant Day High School 7:45 – 3:00

Covenant Day School Elem. 7:55 – 3:05

Crestdale Middle School 8:00 – 3:00

Carmel Christian School 8:15 – 3:15

Elizabeth Lane Elementary School 8:30 – 2:45

Crown Point Elementary School 9:15 – 3:30

**Please be aware if you travel in the area of Weddington Rd. and Pleasant Plains Rd. that there has been a change in traffic control. You are no longer able to turn left from Pleasant Plains Rd. onto Marque Pl. This neighborhood road has been used in the past by comminuting traffic to cut through the Brighton community to avoid waiting for the left turn signal on Weddington Rd. at Pleasant Plains Rd. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in the interest of safety for those residents and their families.**

Traffic Update For Flooded Roadways

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:12:25 GMT

As of 6:00 P.M. Sam Newell Rd. is reopening to motorists. North bound NC51 (Matthews Township Parkway) near Presbyterian Hospital is down to one lane due to flooding. Traffic is backed up and extended travel delays are expected through the evening commuting hours.

Sam Newell Road Closed near Independence Point Pkwy

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:37:17 GMT

Please be aware that due to severe rainfall Sam Newell Rd. near Independence Point Parkway has been closed. The creek has overrun the banks and is crossing the road. It is currently too hazardous for a vehicle to pass through the rushing water. Never drive around barricades or attempt to drive through water moving across the roadway whether it is in this location or somewhere else. Please avoid driving during this storm if at all possible. If you must drive use extreme caution as flooding may be occurring in places that have not been marked.

Motorcycle Rally Begins Tomorrow

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:00:44 GMT

The North Carolina State Harley Owners Group (HOG) motorcycle rally will begin tomorrow June 17, 2010. The event is expected to draw thousands of motorcyclists from around the Southeast. The center of activities will be held at Harley Davidson of Charlotte, which is located off Independence Blvd. and Sam Newell Rd. near Movies 10 Theater and IHOP. The rally is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday June 19, 2010. Officers will be in the area assisting with traffic direction and parking. Please use caution while driving and watch out for motorcyclists. Traffic congestion in this area is likely and we encourage you to allow for extended drive times in this area of Matthews.

Matthews Police Launch Crime Report Map

Fri, 28 May 2010 14:07:08 GMT

The Matthews Police Department is committed to finding new and innovative ways to communicate with the community we serve. Providing reliable, timely information to our citizens is one of our top priorities. We implemented the Citizen Observer e-mail alert program two years ago for that purpose and are now adding another service to further our efforts. Through a partnership with CrimeReports.com, creators of the national crime map, we offer the opportunity for anyone to view reported crimes in Matthews from their computer.

Have you ever seen flashing blue lights in your neighborhood and wanted to know what was going on? Do you want to know how safe your neighborhood really is? Have you heard a rumor about a crime that supposedly took place? Now you can go to our web site www.matthewspolice.org and select the “Crime Map” tab to view an interactive map that will display reported crimes. Added features also include locations and photographs of registered sex offenders; an e-mail alert option to be notified when crimes are reported in your area; free iPhone app download through Apple iTunes store; as well as other information by linking to the CrimeReports web based services.

This program is separate from Citizen Observer and does not replace that service, but rather adds another valuable tool for information sharing. Knowledge is power, and we hope that giving the community this information will help them prevent crime in their neighborhood. Partnership between citizens and the police department is a critical component in crime prevention and for maintaining a safe community.

Please go to our web site and explore the features of the Crime Map. We also you invite everyone to check out some of the other valuable information that is provided throughout our site. If you have any questions, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us directly through the contact us page.

Road Construction Causing Traffic Delays in SW Matthews

Tue, 18 May 2010 14:26:01 GMT

A repaving road construction project has begun on S. Trade Street and Pleasant Plains Road. Lane closures, along with construction workers and equipment in the area, are causing traffic delays in the area. Affected areas also include Fullwood Lane and Weddington Rd. This project is expected to last throughout the week, and work is scheduled to be performed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Alternate routes are recommended if possible.

Damage to Elizabeth Lane Elementary School

Wed, 12 May 2010 18:40:16 GMT

Early this morning (5/12/2010 3:18 a.m.) officers responded to a call of breaking glass at Elizabeth Lane Elementary School. When officers arrived they encountered four young males that ran on foot from the scene. Following some minor resistance, two of the subjects were arrested. Three school classroom windows were found smashed. The two that were caught are 17 and 18 years of age and reside near the school. They were charged for Burglary, Damage to Property, Resisting Officers and Underage Drinking.

Information about this incident has already reached many in the surrounding community. For clarification, after speaking to these teens it is not believed that they were not looking to commit other crimes in the area for the purpose of stealing items or more serious offenses. This case is an example of youth making poor decisions after consuming alcohol. Thankfully an alert community member heard the damage being caused and alerted police. We always ask for the public’s assistance to help report suspicious person(s) or activity. If anyone has additional or different information about this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Matthews Police Department at 704-847-4069.

S. Trade Street Closed Friday and Saturday for Beach Fest

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:58:04 GMT

Please be aware that S. Trade St. will be closed this weekend during Beach Fest Matthews. The road closure will take place on the evening of Friday April 30^th from 5:30 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. The street will again close on Saturday May 1^st from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. that night. The section of S. Trade St. closed to traffic will be from McDowell St. at Matthews Elementary to the intersection of John St. The recommended detour around the affected area is Fullwood Lane to Matthews Township Parkway (NC 51) to West John St.

There will be a 5K foot race conducted on Saturday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m. The route includes Fullwood Lane, Covenant Church Lane, John Street, Kent Street and Sadie Drive. Expect periodic street closures around this route during the morning based on the number of runners in the road. The road will be open to vehicles at times with runners on the course, so please use extreme caution when driving in this area.

Event preparation has already begun, so exercise caution when driving around the area of Stumptown Park. We are anticipating extended drive times and added congestion on S. Trade St. tonight and throughout Friday, so alternate routes are suggested.

Community Protection Event

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:38:19 GMT

The Matthews Police Department is hosting an important event that is designed to help you protect yourself, your family and your environment. On Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can bring in unused and expired medications, documents to be shredded and old cell phones to be reused. The location will be in front of Harris Teeter at the Matthews Festival shopping center 1811 Matthews Township Parkway.

Poisoning from prescription and over the counter medications is one of the leading causes of death nationwide. Help protect your family and the environment. Bring unused or expired medications to Operation Medicine Drop where they will be collected and disposed of properly. Help protect your family from accidental overdoses and protect the environment by not contaminating water supplies by improper disposal.

Bring your personal and important documents for secure destruction and recycling. Each year more than 300,000 North Carolinians and 10 million U.S. Citizens have their identity stolen. Protect against fraud and identity theft by having all documents that contain personal information, credit and financial records shredded on site at this event. Waste materials will be recycled to prevent unnecessary landfill disposal.

Recycling your cell phone will help the 911 Cell Phone Bank provide emergency communications to seniors and victims of abuse in our community. Bring in old cell phones and chargers so they can be refurbished and given to a person in need of a critical link to law enforcement and emergency services.

N. Trade St. Repaving Project

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:59:56 GMT

Please be aware that the repaving portion of the N. Trade St improvement project will begin this Sunday evening April 11^th. Work will be conducted during the overnight hours requiring the road to be completely closed from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The closed section of N. Trade St. will be between Matthews St. and John St. This portion of the project, and the late night road closure, is expected to last until Thursday April 15^th.

Important Information about Stolen Mail

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:03:19 GMT

The Matthews Police Department is currently investigating a higher than usual number of mail theft cases. Although the majority of the cases are from commercial businesses, there have been several reported from residents. The criminals target outgoing mail in an attempt to obtain checks that have been put out for postal pick-up. Stolen checks can be altered and used fraudulently. Even locked mailboxes have been broken into for this purpose. This type of crime is not new or unique; however, the recent incidents have given us cause to raise the level of awareness, and encourage increased prevention methods.

If it is necessary to send a check, or any documents with your personal information, we strongly recommend that you take it to a U.S. Postal Service mailbox. Roadside and exterior building mailboxes are not secure places for anything of value. Personal documents are of value to criminals conducting identity theft and checks, or other similar financial notes, can be used for illegal gains. Please be sure to report suspicious behavior of any person(s) tampering with, or taking items from, a mailbox to the police immediately. For more information please visit the U.S. Postal Inspector’s web site at: https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/.

Correction on repaving times for Matthews St. and Matthews-Mint Hill

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:43:46 GMT

In the previous alert sent about road construction in downtown Matthews, there was a mistake in one of the listed times. The repaving of Matthews St. and Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. will be conducted during the daytime hours as listed below:

Beginning the week of March 15^th, the repaving of Matthews St. and Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. is scheduled to begin with the road remaining open using periodic lane closures. Work will likely occur from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

For complete details please refer to http://www.citizenobserver.com/cov6/app/alert.html?id=11730

Road Construction Begins in Downtown Matthews

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:57:27 GMT

Road construction and improvements to N. Trade St. in downtown Matthews has begun. The work is designed to make the street more pedestrian friendly and beautify the downtown area. Crosswalk and sidewalk improvements will be completed as part of the plan. Both N. Trade Street and Matthews-Mint Hill Road will be repaved. The project is expected to take approximately one month.

Currently installation of sidewalk bump outs and crosswalk work has begun on N. Trade St. between John St. and Matthews Station. Work will occur during the day on this section. There will be periodic lane closures.

Beginning the week of March 15^th, the repaving of Matthews St. and Matthews Mint-Hill Rd. is scheduled to begin with the road remaining open using periodic lane closures. Work will likely occur from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

Scheduled to begin the week of March 22, N. Trade Street will be closed between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. This should take 5 nights. Motorists will need to use the marked detour which is Matthews St. to Ames St.

This schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions.

For updates on the project visit www.matthewsnc.com or call C.J. O’Neill, Town Engineer or Ralph Messera, Public Works Director at 704-847-3640.

Update to residential burglaries in Pine Forest

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:44:33 GMT

On Monday, March 1^st, upon receiving a call from a resident off of Four Lakes Drive reporting a suspect apparently attempting to break into a neighbor's home, officers located and subsequently arrested a local subject who has now been charged in multiple offenses.

The 22 year old suspect, Wynton Lewis Coleman, was arrested for Attempted Breaking and Entering and Possession of Stolen Property. As a result of our investigators' interviews, and a search of the suspect’s home, we are now preparing to charge Coleman with five recent residential burglaries, including three in Pine Forest, as well as the thefts of the laptop computers from offices in the downtown area. Some of the stolen property was recovered at his residence.

This arrest resulted from the call from an observant citizen. We urge all citizens to remain observant, get to know your neighbors, and to call the police anytime you observe something suspicious.

Matthews Police search for suspects in home break ins in the Pine Forest area

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:12:23 GMT

**UPDATE**

This arrest resulted from the call from an observant citizen. We urge all citizens to remain observant, get to know your neighbors, and to call the police anytime you observe something suspicious.

Citizen Police Academy Announced

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:15:51 GMT

The Matthews Police Department is pleased to announce the Citizen Police Academy for Spring 2010. The Academy is an eight week program that is designed to build a stronger relationship between the community and the police department through education. It is open to residents and individuals who work in the town of Matthews. Information provided throughout the program is intended to help with misunderstandings about law enforcement and create an awareness of challenges and limitations that face police. The Citizen Police Academy is not designed to train attendees about how to be police officers. The intent is to create a hands-on interactive program that will assist with strengthening the partnership between the Matthews Police Department and the community it serves.

Participants will meet once a week on consecutive Thursday evenings beginning on March 18^th and ending on May 6, 2010. The academy will be held at the Matthews Police Department located at 1201 Crews Rd. Classes begin at 6:00 PM and are scheduled to conclude at 8:00 PM. Attendees will also have the option to arrange a 4 hour ride-a-long with an on-duty patrol officer.

This program is offered at no cost to the participants. Applications are currently being accepted and are available on our web-site www.matthewspolice.org, by e-mailing a request to communitysafety@matthewspolice.org, or visiting the police department in person Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. An application is attached to this e-mail in pdf format; however, it cannot be saved completed on your computer. Applications must be printed and delivered, mailed or faxed to the Matthews Police Department. Space is limited and the deadline for accepting applications is Wednesday March 10^th at 5:00 PM.

Eligibility requirements to attend:

· You must be 18 years of age or older

· Live or work within the Town of Matthews

· Must not have been convicted of, or have any pending charges for, any felony, or serious misdemeanor within the last 5 years

· Allow for criminal background check and personal references to be contacted

Mailing and Physical Address: 1201 Crews Rd. Matthews, NC 28105 Fax: 704-845-5824

E. John St. lane closures next week

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:45:05 GMT

The Town of Matthews will be making sidewalk improvements between 131 & 301 E. John St (area of Post Office) that will require temporary lane closures. Please be aware of traffic pattern shifts and workers in the area. Extended travel delays are possible throughout the project, which is expected to last about a week. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday (2/8/10) at 9:00 AM weather permitting. Crews anticipate concluding work around 2:30 PM each afternoon.

Campus Ridge Rd. Closed at Rail Crossing Wednesday

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:07:28 GMT

NC DOT will be closing Campus Ridge Rd. tomorrow, Wednesday, January 27th at the CSX rail road crossing. Repairs will be made to the rail and roadway that will not allow traffic to pass through the area. Crews are planning to begin at 9:00 a.m. and work throughout the day. Work is expected to conclude late afternoon so the road can re-open that evening.

Traffic back-up Downtown Matthews

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:08:51 GMT

Due to a railroad crossing arm malfunction, traffic is backed up in and around the Downtown Matthews area. Crews are working on the problem at this time; however, traffic will remain exceptionally heavy through the morning rush hours.

Home Break-In on Philips Road

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:06:44 GMT

Last night (01/12/2010) shortly after 8:00 p.m. a resident on Phillips Rd. near Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. returned home to find that someone had broken into it by forcing open a door. No one was home during the time of the break-in. After officers were called to the scene, it was discovered that several items stolen from the home were outside, as if the suspect(s) had possibly fled the scene when the resident arrived home. A short time later the police department received a call about a suspicious person walking in the area of Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. and Marjorie Drive. Since officers, including a police K-9 unit, were actively searching the area, an automated call was generated through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The call, referred to as a “Reverse 911”, was made to inform residents why the police were searching the area, and to heighten the level of awareness about suspicious person(s) that may have been seen. At this time the case is still under investigation and there is no suspect information to provide. As always, we encourage you to practice crime prevention techniques, always report suspicious activity and evidence of a crime to the police department immediately by calling 704-847-5555.

Explanation of “Reverse 911”:

Individual phone numbers that are listed in the phone book are automatically entered into a data base at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg emergency 911 communications center. Using this data base, an automated message can be created and sent at one time to all the land line phones entered in that system within a specified geographic region. The computer controlled dialing system is designed to not leave messages on answering machines or voice mail systems. It will also only allow for about 6-7 rings on a specific line before ending the call. Since the message is sent from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police at our request, it will indicate on caller ID systems that the call is coming from Charlotte. The Citizen Observer program that sends e-mail and text messaging is a different type of system that requires anyone interested in signing up to do so on their own. You can refer those not enrolled to go to www.matthewspolice.org for more information about Citizen Observer. Reverse 911 only has a capability of calling phone book listed land line telephone numbers and cannot have numbers added by personal request.

Crestdale Rd. and Tank Town Closed

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:37:26 GMT

At approximately 6:30 AM on Tuesday morning a tractor trailer was crossing the rail road tracks on Crestdale Rd. near E. Charles St. The trailer was unable to clear the crossing due to the angle of the grade. Moments later a train traveling in a Northwest direction approached the crossing. The driver of tractor trailer was able to unhook from the trailer and pull the tractor portion away. The train was not able to stop in time and struck the trailer. There were no injuries as a result of this incident. Currently Crestdale Rd. at E. Charles St. is closed as well as Tank Town Rd. at the E. Charles St. rail crossing. The rail crossings are expected to be closed for several hours and there will be no vehicle access to the Rainbow Ridge community. The roads will re-open as soon as the train can be moved.

Recent Vehicle Break-Ins

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:05:39 GMT

During the past few evenings there have been several reported vehicle break-ins in residential areas. Although it is not uncommon to experience temporary spikes in vehicle break-ins in one certain neighborhood, the most recent incidents have been concentrated in residential areas located near I-485 and Pleasant Plains Rd. In nearly all the reported cases vehicles were not locked and items of value were stolen from consoles and compartments. Other common items of theft are GPS units and portable music devices. Please review the following tips:

-Report suspicious person(s) or activity immediately to the police department.

-Lock your vehicle even when parked close to your home.

-Do not leave items of value in your vehicle; automobiles are not secure places and easy targets for criminals.

-If you need to leave a garage door opener in your vehicle, hide it in an unlikely location.

As an added reminder, vehicles are often stolen in the colder months of the year while running to be warmed up and unattended. This type of incident has been known to happen even in areas that experience very low crime rates.

Woman Robbed at Gunpoint

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:56:54 GMT

Shortly after 2:00 AM on Friday December 4, 2009, a woman was robbed by gunpoint while sitting in her vehicle in a parking lot located at 10301 Monroe Road in Matthews. The woman, who works an early morning shift, was followed by the suspects in their vehicle to where she parked her car. One suspect exited a vehicle and approached her demanding that she unlocked the doors, and then got into the back seat. Using a handgun he made demands and stole items from her. The victim drew attention by sounding the vehicle’s horn. The suspects fled the area and the victim was not harmed.

The armed suspect is described as a white male, in his mid 20s, slim build, about 6’ tall, approximately 165 lbs. with scruffy facial hair. He was wearing white or light colored pants, burgundy sweatshirt with gold lettering and a dark colored hat. There was a female that remained in the suspect vehicle during the incident. She is described as a white female, also in her mid 20s, wearing a black top and a white hat. The suspect’s vehicle was a dark colored, possibly green four door passenger car similar to a Saturn. The vehicle is missing a hub cap on the front passenger side.

Anyone with any information about these two suspects is asked to contact the Matthews Police Department at 704-847-4069. We would also like to remind everyone to be aware of their surroundings and any suspicious vehicles or person(s). If you feel like someone is possibly following you, do not stop; continue driving to a safe well lit populated area. If you are being followed by a suspicious person and have a cell phone, call 911 and stay on the line while continuing to drive. When parking, consider staying in vehicle with it in drive or reverse briefly while you assess your surroundings, and are prepared to leave quickly if approached.

Trade St. Closed Saturday - Hometown Holiday Celebration

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:41:23 GMT

The Town of Matthews will be celebrating the season with the Hometown Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting ceremony. This annual event is held in downtown Matthews on Trade St. and in front of Town Hall causing street closures. Beginning shortly after 12:00 PM tomorrow (Saturday 12/05/09) Trade Street will be closed from Charles Street to John Street. Motorists traveling through downtown Matthews tomorrow are encouraged to choose an alternate route. Trade St. is scheduled to re-open at approximately 5:30 PM Saturday evening. Tree Lighting will take place in front of Town Hall with festivities taking place between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Parking and traffic around this area will be restricted during that time. We encourage you to come out and join in the celebration. We would also like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Holiday Shopping & Traveling Safety Tips

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:52:53 GMT

Holiday Shopping & Traveling Safety Tips The members of the Matthews Police Department would like to share some tips to keep you and your family safe during the holiday season. It is easy to become distracted while shopping or traveling, so please keep these safety tips in mind:

- expect busy roads and plan your trips accordingly, always leaving a safe following distance;

- keep your vehicle doors locked at all time, whether your in it or not;

- do not leave any valuables in sight within your vehicle; store packages out of sight;

- if carrying packages to lock them in your vehicle while continuing your shopping, consider moving your vehicle to another parking area; someone may be watching and break into your vehicle when you leave it;

- always remain aware of your surroundings when driving or when walking into parking lots;

- if uncomfortable, wait until other shoppers are leaving the store before walking to your vehicle;

- do not hesitate to ask a store clerk to assist you getting to your vehicle;

We want to do all that we can do to help keep you and all of our citizens safe during this holiday season. If you ever observe anything or anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to call the police (704-847-5555.) We hope that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Traffic Safety Information

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:06:29 GMT

In October of 2009, the Matthews Police Department (MPD) investigated a record number of traffic crashes. Since there is continuous growth in the Charlotte metropolitan area, there will be more traffic, and more opportunity for crashes to occur. We are also entering the holiday season, which will increase traffic volume outside of normal rush hour times. MPD would like to remind drivers of some important safety reminders and new laws that are or will be in effect.

The most common cause of traffic collisions is following too close. Leaving a safe following distance, at least two seconds of travel between you and the vehicle in front of you, will greatly reduce your chances of colliding with another vehicle. Allowing a little more room will not increase the time it takes you to reach your destination, but it can prevent you from causing a crash. All drivers are responsible for operating their vehicle in a manner and at a speed to avoid any obstacles or sudden hazards that may happen in their path. In the event of severe weather, decrease speed and increase following distances from what is standard. If you approach an intersection where the traffic signals are not functioning, you must treat it as a 4-way stop. Please remember to give yourself enough extra travel time to allow for possible traffic delays. Avoid distractions that can take your attention away from the road.

As a reminder to teens, it is against the law for anyone under the age of 18 to use a cell phone or other communication device while driving. It is also important to note that chances of a teen being involved in a crash increases significantly when there are other teens in the vehicle. Distractions are a leading cause of crashes among this group of drivers.

Finally there will be a new state law that goes into effect beginning December 1^st 2009 in North Carolina. It will be illegal for anyone to text or use electronic messaging while driving. The penalty for typing into an electronic device while driving will be more than $200.00.

Halloween Safety Reminder

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:50:56 GMT

Saturday is Halloween and a very exciting time children. It is also a time when children are vulnerable to injury. The popular times for trick-or-treating are between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM. To ensure this will be a safe evening for all children, please note the following safety tips:

-Be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.

-Drive more slowly and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic on and near the road.

-Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances.

-Remember costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see vehicles.

-Reduce distractions inside your vehicle and concentrate on the road and pedestrians.

For those that will be trick-or-treating please follow these recommendations:

-Always trick-or-treat with an adult until at least age 10.

-Stay in familiar areas that are well lit.

-Cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks when possible.

-Walk on sidewalks or paths; if there are no sidewalks available, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

-Always walk, don't run, watch for cars and make eye contact with drivers before entering the roadway.

-Wear bright clothing; use retro-reflective accessories; well fitting costumes to prevent falls; wear face paint and make-up instead of masks; carry flashlights or glow sticks to increase visibility.

Power Outage in Matthews

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:29:44 GMT

Power has been restored to traffic signals on NC 51. Power outages will continue in other affected areas until repairs can be totally completed. Updated: 4:00 PM 9/22/09

Road Closings for Matthews Alive! Festival

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:57:30 GMT

The Matthews Alive! festival begins tomorrow (Friday Sept. 4th.) and runs until Monday evening (Sept. 7th). The festival is a large scale downtown event that requires road closures and adds a significant number of people to Matthews for Labor Day weekend. If you are driving to the event, or around the downtown area, please be aware of temporary no parking zones and detours. Those driving through Matthews should choose alternate routes to avoid congestion and travel delays. Please be aware of the following dates and times for road closings:

Friday, Sept. 4th - S. Trade St. from Main St. to John St. closing between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM and will reopen after 11:00 PM

Saturday, Sept. 5th - S. Trade St. from Main St. to John St. and N. Trade St. from John St. to Matthews St. closing at 8:30 AM for the Parade. Additional street closings of Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. from Independence Point Parkway. to N. Trade St. will begin at 9:00 AM. East and West John St. near Trade St. will close at approximately 10:00 AM. S. Trade St. from Fullwood Ln. towards downtown will also close around 10:00 AM. Immediately following the parade, at approximately 12:00 PM, streets will reopen except for S. Trade St. between Main St. and John St. for the festival. S. Trade will reopen after 10:00 PM.

Sunday, Sept. 6th - S. Trade St. from Main St. to John St. closing at 11:30 AM and reopening after 10:00 PM

Monday, Sept. 7th - S. Trade St. from Main St. to John St. closing at 7:00 AM and reopening after 7:00 PM. Several other downtown roads will be closed periodically between 8:00 AM and 10 AM for the 5K Foot Race.

For a complete list of weekend events, please visit www.matthewsalive.org. We invite you to join us for this exciting festival!

Schools Open Tuesday

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:09:47 GMT

This alert is being sent as a reminder that students will be returning to Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools on Tuesday August 25, 2009. Drivers are asked to allow for extra travel time due to increased traffic congestion, and pay close attention to children who will be walking to and from school or bus stops. Please be aware that some kids will be around the roadway beginning in the pre-dawn time of the morning, and at various times throughout the day. Police officers will be paying close attention to traffic enforcement throughout town, in addition to the school zones. To assist you in preplanning routes and preparing for slow or stopped traffic, we are providing the times that the various schools throughout Matthews will be in session.

Butler High School 7:15 – 2:15

Matthews Elementary School 7:30 – 1:45

Covenant Day High School 7:45 – 3:00

Covenant Day School Elem. 7:55 – 3:05

Crestdale Middle School 8:00 – 3:00

Carmel Christian School 8:15 – 3:15

Elizabeth Lane Elementary School 8:30 – 2:45

Crown Point Elementary School 9:15 – 3:30

Vehicle Break-Ins

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:35:07 GMT

Recently there have been a significant number of vehicle break-ins in the Phillips Road area. Neighborhoods that saw the highest number of incidents include The Heathers and Windrow. Most of the victim's have reported that their vehicles were left unlocked and entered sometime during the overnight hours. The Matthews Police Department (MPD) is urging residents to remove any valuable items from their vehicles and lock doors. Utilize exterior lights on your homes, and consider installing motion sensitive lighting to illuminate the area around vehicles. Please report any suspicious activity immediately to the police department. MPD is also requesting that anyone with any information about the individual(s) responsible for these crimes be reported by clicking on the "submit a tip" button included in this e-mail or calling 704-847-4069.

Matthews Police search for suspects in home break-in.

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:27:45 GMT

At approximately 2:00 pm today (06/26/09) a home in the 2200 block of Candlelight Woods Dr., which is located in the Northeast area of Matthews, was broken into. Witnesses saw the suspects, 2 black males and possibly a female, operating a grey Nissan Xterra SUV style vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle also had a sticker on the back of it that was red and blue in color. The suspects were seen circling the neighborhood several times prior to pulling into the victim’s driveway and forcing entry to the home. Anyone with any information about this case is urged to call the Matthews Police Department at 704-847-4069.

S. Trade St. will remain closed into evening

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:48:38 GMT

Due to utility construction, traffic traveling south on Trade St. is beeing detoured by way of W. John St., S. Ames St. and Main St. The original plan for this project called for S. Trade St. to re-open after 4:00 pm for evening rush hour traffic. Workers encountered a problem today that will cause the street to remain closed and the detour route in effect into late evening. Please plan an alternate route, or expect increased delays, if traveling through Downtown Matthews.

Road Construction in Downtown Matthews Begins

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:56:29 GMT

The preliminary construction work due to under-street boring and sewer line installation has begun in the roadway around the intersection of Trade St. and John St. in Downtown Matthews. Work is scheduled to be conducted between 9am and 4pm weekdays. Drivers should expect traffic delays in the area and consider alternate routes around the affected area.

Beginning Monday June 15, 2009 until Thursday June 18, all southbound Trade Street traffic will be detoured via West John Street between. The northbound lane of Trade Street will not be affected. Matthews Police will provide traffic assistance.

Starting on or around June 19, southbound Trade Street lanes will reopen and will generally remain that way as the remaining sewer line work continues along the southbound edge of North Trade Street (between its intersections with John Street and Charles Street). Traffic flow will move in both directions but motorists should generally expect some lane adjustments and occasional delays due to the construction work, which should be finished no later than June 25.

Controlled Burn by Matthews Fire Department

Fri, 29 May 2009 16:31:44 GMT

On Saturday May 30th, 2009, the Matthews Fire Department will be conducting a training exercise in the morning that will involve burning a building. The building is owned by the Town and is located on the grounds of the old public works facility behind Matthews Elementary School. Residents should not be alarmed if they see a large amount of smoke coming from this area. The street address for the facility is 309 S. Trade St.

I-485 Lanes Closed at Idlewild Rd.

Tue, 19 May 2009 21:36:11 GMT

Due to a motor vehicle crash, one lane of I-485 is closed in both directions near Idlewild Road. Traffic is backed up for several miles causing added congestion on secondary roads in the area. If possible, travel should be avoided or allow for extended arrival times. Investigation and lane closures will likely last until 7pm or longer.

S. Trade Street Closed Friday/Saturday for Beach Fest

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:23:19 GMT

Please be aware that S. Trade St. will be closed this weekend during BeachFest Matthews. The road closure will take place on the evening of Friday May 1st from 5:30pm until 12:00am. The street will again close on Saturday May 2nd from 9:00am until 12:00am that night. The section of S. Trade St. closed to traffic will be from McDowell St. at Matthews Elementary to the intersection of John St. The recommended detour around the affected area is Fullwood Lane to Matthews Township Parkway (NC 51) to West John St.

Event preparation has already begun, so please exercise extreme caution when driving around the area of Stumptown Park. We are anticipating extended drive times on S. Trade St. throughout Friday, so alternate routes are suggested.

Construction in Southwest Matthews

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:27:32 GMT

Construction has resumed for the Weddington Rd./South Trade St./Pleasant Plains Rd. intersection. Workers will be in the area and lane closures are expected over the next few weeks. Traffic delays are expected and alternate routes are suggested to avoid this area. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are currently on break and when classes resume on April 13th, traffic volume will increase.

As a clarification about the last alert sent in regards to Mckee Road extension work being conducted, project construction has not begun. The temporary lane closure was for soil testing only. Construction on the new road will not begin until a later date.

McKee Road Extention Construction

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:48:24 GMT

Please be aware that construction has begun for initial development of the McKee Road extension. Over the next several days there will be lane closures at different times that will disrupt traffic. The affected areas will be McKee Road at Pleasant Plains and East John Street South of I485. The work will be conducted between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm. This portion of the project is scheduled to run through April 6th 2009.

Follow-Up Spingwater Dr. Robbery

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:33:15 GMT

Yesterday, March 24, 2009 the Matthews Police Department (MPD) notified residents that subscribe to Southeast Watch Group about a reported robbery in a home on Springwater Dr. The residence is located adjacent to the Windrow community, between Phillips Rd. and Idlewild Rd. in Southeast Matthews. With the media coverage that has been given about this incident, the MPD has received many inquiries about this case. We wanted to again release as much information as we can at this time about those events to all of our subscribers.

On March 23, 2009 at approximately 11:30 pm, Matthews Police received a report that an individual was robbed at gunpoint in a home on Springwater Drive. It was stated that there were two suspects, last seen running out of the home and their location or identity was not known. No one was injured during this incident. The area was thoroughly searched by air and ground and no suspects were located.

The investigation is still on-going and there have been developments. At this time we cannot release details of the investigation, but feel confident that there is not a specific threat to the community at large that individuals related to this case are targeting residents. Often time’s crimes such as this one have additional details that develop through lengthy investigation. Those details are essential before all the facts can be determined. We continue to encourage all citizens to be vigilant in their crime prevention and awareness efforts. However, there is no information from this incident that can be provided to alert the community.

Reported Robbery in Windrow/Springwater Neighborhood

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:06:30 GMT

Last night, March 23, 2009 at approximately 11:30 pm, Matthews Police received a report that an individual was robbed at gunpoint in a home on Springwater Drive. It was stated that there were two suspects, last seen running out of the home and their location was not known. No one was injured during this incident. The Matthews Police Department received assistance from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police by providing their helicopter and K-9 unit. The area was thoroughly searched by air and ground and no suspects were located.

The investigation is still in the early stages and many of the details are still being confirmed. In many cases of robbery in a home, also known as home invasion, the victims are targeted for a specific reason. We are currently working to determine whether or not this victim was known by his assailants. At this time there is no indication to believe that there is a specific threat to the community at large.

NC 51 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. Closed Near Idlewild

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:17:01 GMT

Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. (NC 51) is currently closed between Hartis Ln. and Marjorie Dr., south of Idlewild Rd. Utility construction is being conducted and is expected to last until at least 5:00pm Friday evening. There is a marked detour; however, travel delays should be expected if traveling in the area. An alternate route is suggested, especially in the late afternoon hours.

Police Seeking Robbery Suspect

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:58:29 GMT

The Matthews Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a person who is wanted on multiple charges. Bryan Alexander Carter (pictured) is a 20 year old African American male, approximately 5’9" tall and 175 pounds. Warrants for Carter’s arrest have been issued, including Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon on a Business. Carter has been seen recently in Matthews, in both the central and northern areas of town. If you see this subject do not attempt to confront or detain him, since he could possibly be armed and is considered dangerous. If you have any information about the location of Bryan Carter, or can provide any assistance with the investigation, you are urged to contact the Matthews Police Department immediately at 704-847-4069.

UPDATE: This person was located outside the Charlotte regional area. He has been arrested and is in custody.

Sardis Road Lane Closure Scheduled

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:15:01 GMT

Road repairs are scheduled to begin on Sardis Road near Sardis Park just northwest of NC51. Weather permitting, the work will be conducted on Wednesday January 28th and Thursday January 29th from 8am to 5pm. Lane closures will be necessary on Sardis Rd. during this time. If driving in this area, use extra caution and expect travel delays.

Recent Trend in Robberies

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:56:42 GMT

Recently there has been a growing trend in robberies that is causing concern. On January 12, 2009 a man was robbed at gunpoint in his driveway while unloading packages from his vehicle. This was the incident that the Matthews Police Department reported through Citizen Observer yesterday, January 13, 2009. Although there have only been a couple other cases similar to this one in Matthews, there have been more in the surrounding Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. A citizen being targeted in their driveway or home has not been a typical form of robbery in the past. We want to stress to the community not to be fearful about dangerous crimes, but aware that they do exist so precautions can be taken.

The recent trend is that criminals drive through residential neighborhoods in the evening hours after sunset when there are not many people outdoors. When they locate a person just arriving at home, they use the element of surprise to take advantage of their victims. Most people feel more secure when they are home and their attention is diverted when getting in or out of their vehicle. The best means of preventing this type of crime is a keen alertness to your surroundings and recognizing suspicious activity. To assist in these efforts we suggest having sufficient lighting around your home and driveway. Consider using motion detector devices on outdoor lighting, which can also alert you to recent movement in the area. Watch for vehicles following you, or in the area as you approach your home. Consider driving past your home toward a populated area until you determine that the vehicle or person in the area is not suspicious. In the event you are confronted by an assailant comply with their demands and try to deescalate the situation to reduce violence.

There are different individuals committing these crimes and often use different vehicles. The location and times in which the incidents happen are random in nature. For that reason, it is important to be aware that although not frequent, robberies can occur in any neighborhood. Please look out for yourself and your neighbors, and report any suspicious activity to the police department immediately. To contact the Matthews Police Department directly, call 704-847-5555.

Remember, the most important tool in crime prevention is your mind. When used effectively and coupled with a confidant attitude and keen awareness, you can avoid dangerous confrontations with potential assailants.

Robbery

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:02:56 GMT

On Monday night, January 12^th, 2009, a Matthews resident who lives in the Hampton Green subdivision off of South Trade St. was confronted by a black male in the driveway of his residence as he was unloading his car. The suspect was armed with a handgun and took the victim’s wallet. The victim was not injured.

Suspect was described as a black male wearing a black sweat shirt with a hoody and left in a small compact car dark in color.

If anyone has any information, please call 704-847-5555.

Home Break-In Matthews Central Area

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:03:35 GMT

Just a short time ago, someone attempted to breakin to a home in the Greylock subdivision on Rockwell View Rd. This neighborhood is just off Monroe Rd. near I 485. An alarm was called in by the alarm company to the Matthews Police Department. Upon arrival Officers found a window broken in the rear of the residence.

It appears that entry was not made into the residence and that the alarm may have scared the suspect off. A neighbor reported that approximately 10 to 15 minutes before she had observed a dark colored Lexus, either gray or black in color, with 2 black males sitting in the vehicle nearby in a cuddle sac. This vehicle was gone upon our Officers arrival.

Call the Matthews Police Department at 704-847-5555 or 911 if you should see this vehicle in your neighborhood.

NC 51 (Matthews-Mint Hill) at Phillips Reopened

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:49:27 GMT

Due to a traffic collision on NC51, Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. at Phillips Road is closed. Delays may be extended because of downed power lines.

The Roadway has now completely reopened. Work crews are still in the area working, and the traffic signals will not be operational for a couple more hours. Please use extreme caution if driving through this area. Officers will remain on the scene for traffic control while needed.

Home Break-Ins SE Charlotte Area

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:28:22 GMT

Just a short time ago (12/11/09), suspects broke into a home in the Ballantyne Area. It is believed these same suspects broke into other homes in Southeast Mecklenburg County, and York County SC, within the past few days. On 12/09/08 they were seen in a Matthew’s neighborhood. The suspects are described as two or more black males operating a charcoal grey Nissan Murano NC license plate NZM 9735. There may also be a silver Honda Ridgeline truck involved. At this time these suspects are not wanted for any crime in Matthews. Police are asking that if anyone sees the suspect vehicle(s) call 911 immediately and provide all possible information without confronting them.

Traffic Back-Up S. Trade St.

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:01:15 GMT

Due to a gas line break, construction on S. Trade St. at Weddington Rd. and Pleasant Plains is running late. A travel lane is closed at this time which is causing a significant traffic back-up. If you are planning to travel through this area, it is suggested that you plan an alternate route.

Anticipated traffic delays for construction project.

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:02:47 GMT

According to Blyth Construction, work on S. Trade St. and Pleasant Plains Rd. at Weddington Rd., is scheduled to run from now until approximately November 15^th, 2008. This widening project will cause lane closures in the area, so additional traffic congestion and back-ups are likely. The anticipated times for the work to done are from 8:00am to 4:00pm. You may want to plan alternate routes to avoid this area until completion of this phase of the project.

Traffic back-up S. Trade, Pleasant Plains and Weddington Rd.

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:45:18 GMT

Due to paving, there are lane closures near the intersection of S. Trade St., Pleasant Plains and Weddington Rd. Traffic is currently backed up, and the area is very congested. If possible plan an alternate route to avoid the area this afternoon.

Suspicious Activity

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:49:53 GMT

The Matthews Police Department would like to provide information about some suspicious activity that recently occurred in the Matthews Estates neighborhood, located near downtown. On Monday night (11/03/2008) an unknown person, described as an African American male in his late teens or early twenties, knocked on the front door of a residence. When the homeowner did not open the door, he moved around to the back of the house where he was joined by two others. All three subjects ran away on foot from the scene when a neighbor shined a flashlight on them. He had gone outside to investigate the suspicious activity at the request of the resident inside the home. There have been some e-mails circulating about this incident. At least one of the e-mails refers to this as an attempted home invasion. At this point we do not have any evidence to say that this was in fact an attempted home invasion. It would be easy to draw that conclusion since the description of the three individuals involved, and the time of night it occurred, are similar to the incidents that occurred in early October in Matthews, and other locations around Southeast Mecklenburg County. However, the dynamic of what occurred Monday night is different than other home invasions. In the past the home invasion suspects targeted victims that they could gain easy access to, and surprised them by entering the home unannounced. In this case the suspicious persons tried to see if anyone was home by knocking/ringing the door bell at the front, and then went to the rear of the house to see if anyone answered. This type of activity is more indicative to a burglary, which is committed when no one is present at the home. We do not mean to imply that this is not an alarming incident, as there are numerous possibilities for what the intentions were of these three individuals. It was very fortunate that they were scared by the neighbor and ran off before someone could have possibly been victimized.

What we want to stress to everyone is that we do not recommend confronting suspicious persons due to the potential for violence or an armed confrontation. Be aware of your surroundings when entering or exiting your home. If you see suspicious people or vehicles in the neighborhood, call the police immediately and stay on the line to provide continuous updates as to what they are doing, where they are going and physical descriptions. When in your home, keep your doors locked and do not open them for unknown person(s). We are grateful to those who have taken the time to keep their neighbors informed and aware. By working together and watching out for one other, we can keep our community safe and secure. To report suspicious activity, please call the Matthews Police Department directly at (704) 847-5555.

Important Safety Information

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:30:33 GMT

The Matthews Police Department would like to remind everyone of some important safety tips considering recent events and the celebration of Halloween tomorrow evening.

Since the two robberies earlier this month in Hampton Green and Habersham, along with the related attempted robbery in Coachman’s Ridge, there have not been any other similar crimes in or near Matthews. There has been progress in the investigation, and detectives are continuing to develop leads. The police department continues to give significant emphasis, and redirected manpower, to nighttime neighborhood patrols. These on-going increased patrols will be continuing for an indefinite amount of time. In addition, there will be even more officers assigned to monitor and enhance safety for Halloween.

Friday is Halloween, which means there will be many children in and around neighborhood streets before and after sunset. If you are driving tomorrow evening please allow for extra time traveling to your destination, and use extreme caution in residential areas. If you have children that will be trick-or-treating, make sure they wear costumes that do not restrict their ability to see, or could cause them to trip and fall. Consider having reflective materials attached to the costumes and carry flashlights to increase visibility. Have an adult supervise children as they move from home to home, and remember that drivers are especially distracted during this time. Have at least one member of your group carry a cell phone and be attentive to your surroundings. Often the increased excitement of children means that they may not be taking safety precautions.

Even if you are not handing out treats to children Halloween night, we are asking that you still utilize exterior lighting to illuminate the area around your home. This is a necessary crime prevention technique. Please help us in the promotion of safety and security, and report suspicious or criminal activity.

Home Invasions

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:14:55 GMT

The Matthews Police Department is currently investigating two recent home invasions with similarities. The first incident occurred at about 1:00 am on October 10, 2008 in the Hampton Green neighborhood located off S. Trade St. near Fullwood Ln. During this confrontation, two unknown suspects entered a residence through an unlocked front storm door where a group of people, including the residents, were gathered. The suspects used guns to order the victims to surrender valuables. There were no physical injuries to anyone involved. The second incident occurred at 10:39pm on October 14, 2008 in the Habersham neighborhood located off Idlewild Rd. In this case the resident was in his driveway when a vehicle pulled up, and three unknown suspects exited. The homeowner was forced at gunpoint into his residence where he and his wife were made to surrender valuables. There were no physical injuries during this confrontation either. This time the suspects also stole the victim’s vehicle, which was later recovered inside Charlotte.

The suspects in both cases were described as young black males, and in the second incident were driving a white, older model, square body style, passenger car. The method of operation was the same in both crimes. The Matthews Police Department wants the public to be aware that there may be criminals operating in our area, looking for residents to target. Please be attentive to your surroundings, lock your doors, even when at home, and report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the police immediately. If you have any information about either of these incidents, please contact the Matthews Police Department at 704-847-4069.

CitizenObserver

Solicitation phone calls

Citizen Police Academy Application Deadline Extended

Water line break

Traffic alert notification Sam Newell Rd.

Water Main Break - Traffic Alert

Traffic Alert for Wed. Nov. 30th

S. Trade St. has re-opened to traffic

S. Trade St. Closed at MARA Ballfield

Important Safety Event and Carnival Saturday

Rabies Advisory for your area.

E. John St. closed between I-485 and Union County

Matthews Alive Begins Friday **Important Information and Street Closings**

Recent Telephone Frauds

Schools Open Next Week - Important Information

E. John St. has partially re-opened

E. John St. Remains Closed on Matthews side of I 485

E. John St. Closed on Matthews side of I 485

Roads Closed Due to Flooding

Travel lane blocked E. John St./Old Monroe Rd. at Stallings/Union County Line

Rabid Racoon

Fake phone calls

E. John St./Old Monroe Rd. has re-opened

E. John St./Old Monroe Rd. Closed at Stallings/Matthews Town Limits

Suspicious Solicitation

Traffic Construction

Area Road Construction Begins Today

UPDATE Pleasant Plains Rd. has re-opened

Pleasant Plains Rd. Closed Due To House Fire

Holiday Crime Prevention

Matthews Citizen Police Academy

Door to Door Solicitation

Home Break-In Today

Power restored - NC51 Lanes Closed for Repairs

Power Outage in Matthews

Power outage

East John St closed at Matthews/Stallings City Limits

School Openings and Traffic Information

Traffic Update For Flooded Roadways

Sam Newell Road Closed near Independence Point Pkwy

Motorcycle Rally Begins Tomorrow

Matthews Police Launch Crime Report Map

Road Construction Causing Traffic Delays in SW Matthews

Damage to Elizabeth Lane Elementary School

S. Trade Street Closed Friday and Saturday for Beach Fest

Community Protection Event

N. Trade St. Repaving Project

Important Information about Stolen Mail

Correction on repaving times for Matthews St. and Matthews-Mint Hill

Road Construction Begins in Downtown Matthews

Update to residential burglaries in Pine Forest

Matthews Police search for suspects in home break ins in the Pine Forest area

Citizen Police Academy Announced

E. John St. lane closures next week

Campus Ridge Rd. Closed at Rail Crossing Wednesday

Traffic back-up Downtown Matthews

Home Break-In on Philips Road

Crestdale Rd. and Tank Town Closed

Recent Vehicle Break-Ins

Woman Robbed at Gunpoint

Trade St. Closed Saturday - Hometown Holiday Celebration

Holiday Shopping & Traveling Safety Tips

Traffic Safety Information

Halloween Safety Reminder

Power Outage in Matthews

Road Closings for Matthews Alive! Festival

Schools Open Tuesday

Vehicle Break-Ins

Matthews Police search for suspects in home break-in.

S. Trade St. will remain closed into evening

Road Construction in Downtown Matthews Begins

Controlled Burn by Matthews Fire Department

I-485 Lanes Closed at Idlewild Rd.

S. Trade Street Closed Friday/Saturday for Beach Fest

Construction in Southwest Matthews

McKee Road Extention Construction

Follow-Up Spingwater Dr. Robbery

Reported Robbery in Windrow/Springwater Neighborhood

NC 51 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. Closed Near Idlewild

Police Seeking Robbery Suspect

Matthews Alive Begins Friday Important Information and Street Closings