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Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have charged two men in connection with an armed robbery at a check-cashing business Wednesday morning in north Charlotte.
Police say Odell Mychal Smallwood, 31, and Jamal William Howard, 29, were arrested for allegedly robbing PLS Check Cashing, in the 4400 block of North Tryon Street.
Police say employees of the business called 911 about 8 a.m. Wednesday and said they had been robbed at gunpoint. Officers arrived at the scene minutes later, and police say one officer saw a man behind the business, apparently stuffing a gun in his pocket. When the officer got out of his car, the man behind the business ran off.
That man, later identified as Smallwood, was caught by other officers a short time later. He was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, resisting a public officer, possession of a firearm by a felon, and first-degree kidnapping.
Investigators soon developed Howard as the other suspect in the case, police say. He was arrested while at work later Wednesday and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and second-degree kidnapping.
Police say the kidnapping charges were filed because the suspects allegedly moved the employees inside the business, against their will, at gunpoint.
Investigators ask that anyone with additional information about the two suspects should call Crime Stoppers, 704-334-1600.
