CrimeStoppers Payouts

I'm going to have an article in the paper later this week (probably Wednesday) about another major payout by CrimeStoppers and the success the program is seeing.

During the monthly meeting held Monday, the CrimeStoppers board agreed to pay out $400 to an anonymous caller whose information led police to arrest Charles Warren Spikes, 41, who is charged with stabbing a man last month near Booker Street.

That's a nice chunk of change that board members hope will lead to more calls and more information from the public.

Police have credited recent Star articles with a influx of calls coming in, now the only problem is making sure enough money is left in the account to reward new tipsters for their help.

If you have any information about the whereabouts of criminal suspects or crimes, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at (704) 481-TIPS (8477). Up to $1,000 can be paid out for information leading to an arrest.

Monetary donations to CrimeStoppers can be sent to Fidelity Bank; 331 S. Lafayette St.; Shelby; NC; 28150 Attn: Verna McCluney

The Shelby Police Department, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, Chen's Chinese Restaurant and Wal-Mart have already given or have verbally committed to donating $1,000 apiece to the cause.