x
Breaking News
More () »

Police still searching for attempted-homicide suspect who escaped in handcuffs

Police conducted a widespread search of the area overnight using K9s, but didn't find him. They say he could still be wearing handcuffs.

MONROE, N.C. — An attempted homicide suspect escaped police custody in Union County while still wearing handcuffs, according to the Monroe Police Department.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are actively searching for 42-year-old Cleveland Lamont Waters. 

He escaped on Friday night after trying to kill someone, police said. Still on the loose, Waters is considered "armed and dangerous."

Authorities are asking people not to approach Waters if spotted. They are asking anyone who sees him to immediately call 911. 

On June 3, WCNC Charlotte reached out to Monroe Police for new details or information. We asked specific questions but were sent a statement:

"At this time, there are no updates in the case.  Our detectives and partner agencies are working tirelessly to bring this investigation to a successful resolution. We will share any updates with you."

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

Waters was last seen wearing black pants and a red shirt, and he may still be in handcuffs.

Just before 5 a.m. on Friday, officers found a man on Winchester Avenue who had been shot multiple times.

Police found out the shooting actually happened in the middle of English Street, and the victim ran to where he collapsed on Winchester Avenue. He went to the hospital and is expected to survive.

They identified Waters as a suspect, and investigators tracked him to a house on Locklyn Road in Waxhaw. They had a warrant, so a special team arrested Waters inside the house. 

Multiple guns were seized from the home along with "a substantial amount of illegal narcotics," according to police. 

Before Waters was able to be booked into jail, he escaped in the area surrounding Carroll Street, reportedly still wearing handcuffs.

Click here to sign up for the daily WCNC Charlotte newsletter

Officers held a widespread search of the area overnight, even using K9s but were unable to find Waters. 

"He is not believed to be in the area where he escaped," police told WCNC Charlotte on Sunday. 

The Monroe Police Department requested additional resources from surrounding agencies, along with state and federal agencies to help look for Waters. 

He has active arrest warrants for charges that include: attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

This is an active, ongoing investigation.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600. Citizens may be rewarded up to $5,000 cash when giving anonymous information that helps lead to a felony arrest of criminals or fugitives.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free app.

Before You Leave, Check This Out