CMPD

One Charlotte City Council member said the city has agreed to pay CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings $300,000 due to threatening text messages he received from former City Council member Tariq Bokhari

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have arrested a man they believe is responsible for a viral video showing someone setting an opossum on fire.

Charlotte City Council member Victoria Watlington on Thursday walked back some of the explosive allegations she made Tuesday in an email to constituents that was titled “Power Corrupts.”Watlington was upset about how the city handled a six-figure financial settlement with police chief Johnny Jennings.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles held a news conference Wednesday afternoon after City Council member Victoria Watlington sent an email to residents accusing the city of being corrupt and unethical.

Charlotte City Council member Victoria Watlington criticized the city in an email to constituents, expressing frustration over how the city handled a financial settlement with Police Chief Johnny Jennings.

The Charlotte City Council on Monday agreed in closed session to pay Police Chief Johnny Jennings additional compensation of more than 100,000. The decision came after Jennings considered filing a lawsuit against the city over threatening text messages he received from former City Council member Tariq Bokhari.

Former Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokhari last year sent CMPD chief Johnny Jennings a series of threatening text messages. In one, he threatened to "cripple" the chief's legacy.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officials said there has been a drop in overall crime in the opening quarter of 2025.

As the number of cameras installed at homes and businesses continues to grow, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have launched a security camera registry program to allow residents and business owners to share information about potential crimes.