Police seized gambling stations, cash and a gun.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police shut down an illegal gambling business in east Charlotte following a months-long investigation, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
CMPD officers and a SWAT team executed a search warrant at 3734 Monroe Road on April 29.
The raid resulted in the seizure of 86 illegal gambling stations, $26,510 in cash and a Ruger 9mm pistol. Two people were arrested.
Xiong Zhang, 45, identified as the manager of the business, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to illegal gambling operations, according to police. Darian Shaw, 29, working as an unlicensed armed security guard at the location, was arrested for charges related to aiding and abetting gambling and providing unlicensed armed security services.
According to CMPD officials, the investigation began in December 2024 following numerous community complaints about illegal gambling activities at the location. The arcade had also been linked to various violent crimes in the surrounding area, police said.
“This operation is part of our broader effort to address locations that serve as havens for illegal activities and contribute to violent crime in our community,” a CMPD spokesperson stated. “We are committed to working closely with our local and federal partners to ensure these establishments are held accountable.”
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