Charlotte, North Carolina — What should have been a memorable playoff night for Carolina Panthers fans turned into a costly ordeal for dozens of drivers after police say thieves broke into at least 24 vehicles near Bank of America Stadium during Saturday’s NFL playoff game, stealing firearms, cash, and personal belongings while fans were inside cheering for their team.
Authorities say the break-ins happened in an overflow parking lot close to the stadium as the Panthers faced the Los Angeles Rams, leaving many fans shocked when they returned to shattered windows and ransacked cars.
Cars Targeted While Fans Watched the Game
According to police, two men — Naim Stroman-El and Anthony Canada, both 35 — were arrested in connection with the thefts. A third suspect remains at large.
Investigators allege the suspects worked together to smash vehicle windows and steal items from cars belonging to fans attending the Panthers’ playoff loss.
Among those affected were longtime fans Charles Dillon and Justin Grigg, who discovered the damage moments after returning from the game.
“It was not the sight you wanted to see coming back from a really fun night,” Grigg said.
Personal Belongings Scattered, Cash Taken
Grigg said thieves tossed his personal items around the parking lot, treating them like trash. Among the discarded belongings was breast milk pumping equipment, adding emotional distress to the financial loss.
Dillon said his car suffered extensive damage after suspects broke through the topper covering his trunk and rear window. He reported that $200 in cash was stolen from his center console.
“It definitely added insult to injury,” Grigg added.
Police say at least four firearms were stolen during the string of break-ins, raising additional public safety concerns.
Crimes Spotted in Real Time
The suspects’ crime spree was cut short thanks to a quick-thinking witness. Police say someone watching the game from a nearby rooftop spotted individuals smashing car windows with a chain and immediately called 911.
The caller reported seeing the suspects flee in a white SUV.
Just five minutes later, officers stopped a white GMC Yukon matching the description in the area.
Foot Chase and Arrests Follow Traffic Stop
When police attempted to stop the vehicle, two suspects jumped out and tried to run, while a third managed to escape.
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Officers arrested Stroman-El and Canada after a brief pursuit. During a search of the SUV, police found one stolen firearm hidden beneath a floorboard, according to court documents.
Officers later searched nearby roads and recovered three to five additional guns that had been discarded, investigators said.
Stolen Guns Later Taken by Juveniles
According to an affidavit, police were unable to immediately secure all of the abandoned firearms. Some were later picked up by a group of juveniles, adding another troubling layer to the case.
Authorities have not said whether those firearms have since been recovered.
Dozens of Charges Filed
Both Stroman-El and Canada now face 39 charges each, including:
- At least 23 counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle
- Firearm-related offenses
- Additional theft-related charges
Stroman-El is being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $200,000 bond, while Canada is being held at the same facility on a $40,000 bond.
Investigation Ongoing, Third Suspect Sought
Police say the investigation remains active as they continue searching for the third suspect and reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
Officials are urging fans and residents to avoid leaving valuables — especially firearms — inside vehicles, even during large, high-security events.
What do you think should be done to prevent car break-ins during major sporting events? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
