18-year-old charged after multiple armed robberies in Union County: Monroe PD

MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — An 18-year-old has been charged after multiple armed robberies were reported in Union County, according to the Monroe Police Department.

Just before 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, officers responded to Circle K at 3006 Old Charlotte Hwy about an armed robbery. Officials say the suspect entered the store armed with a handgun and demanded cash from an employee. The suspect reportedly ran from the store before the police arrived.

Less than 48 hours later at 11 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, officers responded to City Tobacco at 2705 Walkup Ave about another armed robbery. Police say a suspect with a similar description entered the store armed with a handgun and demanded cash from an employee. Like the first instance, he ran from the store before officers arrived.

The investigation led detectives to 6002 Farm Pond Lane in Indian Trail. When they arrived, the suspect, 18-year-old Leiland Matthew Nunez, tried to get out of the back door but was stopped.

Wingate Police Department identified Nunez as the suspect in a Wingate armed robbery. Detectives continued the investigation and were able to connect Nunez to the incidents in Monroe.

Nunez was charged with two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon for the incidents in Monroe, and one count of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon for an incident in Wingate. He’s being held at the Union County Detention Center without bond.

Authorities say this is still an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4700 or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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