A coordinated criminal operation targeting Carolina Panthers fans turned what should have been a celebration of the team’s first playoff game in a decade into a nightmare of shattered windows, stolen guns, and devastating financial losses.
Story Snapshot
- Thieves broke into 15 vehicles during Panthers playoff game, stealing multiple firearms and cash
- Police arrested two suspects within 24 hours, each facing 39 charges with bonds exceeding $200,000
- Multiple stolen guns ended up in the hands of juveniles after security failures
- Victims lost hundreds of dollars in cash, firearms, and personal belongings while celebrating inside the stadium
Crime Spree Unfolds During Historic Game
Anthony Canada and Na’im Stroman-El executed their brazen theft operation while thousands of Panthers fans watched their team’s first playoff appearance since 2015. The suspects systematically targeted vehicles parked on Westmere Avenue, using chains to smash windows and ransack interiors. Their timing was calculated perfectly, exploiting the three-hour window when vehicle owners were locked inside Bank of America Stadium, completely unaware their property was being destroyed and looted.
Thieves steal guns and cash from dozens of cars near stadium during Carolina Panthers playoff game https://t.co/6bEdhaeHO6 pic.twitter.com/40PdWHqLam
— New York Post (@nypost) January 13, 2026
A vigilant 911 caller positioned on a nearby rooftop spotted the criminal activity and alerted authorities. This witness observed the suspects breaking vehicle windows with chains before fleeing in a white Chevy Tahoe, providing crucial intelligence that led to the rapid police response and subsequent arrests.
Swift Police Response Yields Arrests
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police demonstrated exceptional efficiency, deploying helicopter surveillance to track the suspects’ white GMC Yukon. Officers discovered the vehicle with its passenger door open and apprehended Canada and Stroman-El near Statesville and Atando, approximately 24 hours after the crimes occurred. The speed of these arrests represents exemplary police work in an era when many jurisdictions struggle with property crime investigations.
Each suspect now faces 39 charges including breaking and entering vehicles, theft of firearms, and theft of cash and clothing. Canada’s bond was set at $530,000 while Stroman-El received a $200,000 bond, reflecting the serious nature of the firearms thefts. However, a third suspect remains at large, indicating this criminal network may be larger than initially discovered.
Security Failures Compound the Crisis
The most disturbing aspect of this incident involves the complete breakdown of weapon recovery protocols. While police successfully recovered one stolen firearm from the suspects’ vehicle, a PSS security officer witnessed 3-5 additional guns scattered on the roadside but failed to secure them. Instead of protecting these dangerous weapons, the security officer allowed a group of juveniles to collect and flee with the firearms, creating an ongoing public safety nightmare.
This security failure transforms a property crime into a potential public safety catastrophe. Multiple firearms are now circulating among juveniles in Charlotte, representing an imminent threat to the community. The incompetence displayed by PSS Security raises serious questions about the qualifications and training of personnel responsible for stadium area safety.
Victims Demand Enhanced Security Measures
Charles Dillon traveled from West Virginia to witness Panthers history, only to discover his vehicle ransacked and his belongings stolen. Justin Grigg lost cash and personal items while praising the police response as “really fast, really great work.” These fans, like thousands of others, trusted that parking near a major NFL venue would provide reasonable security for their vehicles and valuables.
The emotional impact extends beyond financial losses. Victims described the thefts as “insult to injury” after watching their team suffer a heartbreaking last-second playoff defeat. One victim lost irreplaceable breast milk pumping equipment, demonstrating how these criminals targeted families and destroyed items with deep personal significance. The combination of a devastating loss on the field and criminal victimization in the parking lot created a perfect storm of disappointment and violation for loyal Panthers supporters.
Sources:
Fans left dismayed after car break-ins at Panthers’ playoff game – WSOC-TV