March 3, 2008

Bobby Airon Dinkins (B/M, 5/8/55) is in police custody and faces charges in connection with the March 2, 2008 armed robbery of the Dollar Tree at 5401 South Blvd.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police received a call for service just after 7:30 March 2, 2008 for an armed robbery in progress at the Dollar Tree. Officer Matthew Relic, as the first officer on the scene, confronted Mr. Dinkins in the parking lot of the business. Mr. Dinkins began fighting with the officer, refused to comply with any verbal commands and pulled a handgun from his pocket. Officer Relic then drew and fired his service weapon, striking Mr. Dinkins, who was transported to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment. He is currently in "critical-stable" condition.

Officer Relic was taken to Mercy Hospital where he was treated and released for minor injuries sustained during the physical confrontation with the robbery suspect. 

Mr. Dinkins is facing the following charges: 

• Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon from Business
• Kidnapping (2 counts)
• Assault with a Firearm or other deadly weapon on a Government Officer
• Possession of Firearm by Felon
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon

Mr. Dinkins' arrest history in Charlotte-Mecklenburg goes back to 1992 on charges including burglary, robbery and felony breaking and entering.

Officer Relic, 39, has nearly nine years of service (hire date of 6/23/1999) and is assigned to the Steele Creek Division.

As is standard procedure with officer-involved shootings, Officer Relic has been placed on paid administrative leave. Also consistent with standard procedure, Homicide detectives are conducting the criminal investigation and will present the results to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney. Internal Affairs is conducting a separate, parallel internal investigation. A Shooting Review Board, made up the officer's chain of command, Internal Affairs and an outside civilian participant from the Community Relations Committee, will review all available evidence and interview appropriate witnesses to determine whether all departmental policies were followed.