The Enquirer-Journal

12/12/2025

Scam Alert

The Monroe Police Department is urging residents to be aware of fraudulent emails and invoices that appear to impersonate the City of Monroe.

Victims report emails that claim to be from boards and commissions, including the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. They request individuals wire money to avoid delays in their hearings. These messages are not legitimate and may request payment or personal information.

Please remember that the City will never email, call, or text you to demand payment, wire money, or request financial information in exchange for expedited board hearings or City services. If you receive an unexpected invoice, suspicious message, or payment request claiming to be from the City of Monroe, do not respond or send money.

If you believe you have received a scam message, report the message to the Monroe Police Department and never click any links that you don’t recognize

We appreciate our community’s vigilance and want to ensure everyone stays informed and protected.

12/12/2025

Free Residential Checks

The Union County Sheriff’s Office is here to help keep your home safe all year long—especially during the holidays, when you should be spending time making memories with family and friends.

Whether you’re staying home or traveling, check out the links in this post for simple safety tips to protect your home.

We also offer FREE residential checks for those heading out of town, giving you extra peace of mind while you’re away.

If you see anything suspicious or need a hand, our deputies are just one phone call away. Follow the links to schedule a check and learn more.

https://www.unioncountysheriffsoffice.com/services/support-services/residential-security-check-requests

12/12/2025

12/11/2025

12/09/2025

On the day his jury trial was set to begin, Elias Badri Walid Francis, 24, pled guilty as charged to felony death by motor vehicle. He was sentenced by the presiding judge to serve 54-77 months in prison.

On the evening of April 21, 2023, Francis crossed the center line of Unionville-Indian Trail Road, while moving at a high rate of speed, and struck victim Alfredo Palacio, who was driving in the opposite direction, head-on. Palacio was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Immediately prior to the wreck, Francis had been drinking at a Charlotte restaurant and had been cut off by the bartender due to his obvious inebriation. As a friend attempted to secure a safe ride home for him, Francis snuck out of the restaurant, got in his vehicle, and left the area.

A blood test confirmed the defendant’s blood alcohol level was a 0.16 approximately three hours after the fatal collision.

This case was investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and prosecuted by ADAs Heidi Eggles and Greyson Whitaker.

12/08/2025

12/07/2025

12/06/2025

‼️Monroe Police request assistance locating a missing person‼️

Camren Sain, 15 year old female, is 5'2, and weighs about 125 pounds. She has medium length copper/brown hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen leaving a residence on Skywatch Ln. in a white vehicle with mention of leaving the state.

If you have information about her whereabouts, please contact Monroe Police at 704-282-4700. Or send anonymous tips through our smart phone app: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a87927601

12/04/2025

Assault Causes Rumors

The Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a rumor circulating that a teacher was injured in an assault involving a stabbing at Parkwood High School. We want to be clear that there is no factual basis for this claim. The information being shared is inaccurate. Below is a detailed account of what actually occurred.

Earlier today, at approximately 10:05 AM, the School Resource Officer at Parkwood High School responded to an assault that occurred on school property. The SRO quickly intervened and was able to take a female student into custody for the assault.

Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that the student attacked a teacher, causing multiple cuts and marks to the teacher’s face. A second teacher who attempted to intervene also sustained injuries to her head and face.

At this time, the SRO is actively investigating the incident and will pursue charges if deemed appropriate based on the findings. Union County Public Schools is also conducting its own investigation and will be handling any necessary disciplinary actions.

This investigation remains active.

12/04/2025

Please Read: Important Update to Utility Billing

12/03/2025

On 12/1/2025, deputies in Union County, NC responded to a call that was anything but ordinary after residents reported spotting none other than the Grinch stealing a package from a neighbor’s front porch. Deputies arrived just in time to see the green suspect sprinting away with the package, but when he realized he was about to be caught, he panicked, tripped, and abandoned the stolen item in the yard.

The search that followed showcased excellent teamwork as the K9 team and the drone operator worked together, combining ground tracking with an aerial view to follow the Grinch’s path through the wood line. After a brief track, he was located hiding among the trees and taken into custody without further incident.

He was transported to the Union County Detention Center, where he made one last attempt to escape during fingerprinting. His plan was quickly stopped by staff, and a short burst of pepper spray brought his holiday heist to an abrupt end.

The Grinch is now charged with Larceny and Possession of Whohash and is currently being held under a no bond until after Christmas, so no other residents Christmas is ruined.

As the holidays approach, remember to keep packages secure by arranging deliveries when someone is home, using lockboxes or secure drop-off locations, and considering doorbell cameras to deter porch pirates. Staying aware and taking simple precautions can help protect your holiday deliveries. Enjoy the season and keep those Grinch-like grinches away from your gifts

12/03/2025

Fatal Fire Investigation Ongoing

Early Wednesday morning, the Stallings Fire Department and Union County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a possible structure fire located in the 5200 block of Shortcut Lane in Indian Trail.

Upon arrival, firefighters located and extinguished a small fire concentrated in the kitchen area of the residence. Once suppressed, firefighters located the body of an individual in the kitchen near where the fire appeared to originate.

The Union County Fire Marshal’s Office and detectives, along with Crime Scene Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. At this point, there is no reason to suspect foul play, and the cause of the fire appears to be accidental.

An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the identity of the decedent and to determine the cause of death.