Officer Arrested on Harassment Charges in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Charlotte, N.C. — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police (CMPD) officer, Dylen Lineberger, has been arrested on harassment charges in Rock Hill, South Carolina. This incident occurred following a traffic stop in Lincolnton on Tuesday, October 29, 2023. Lineberger was off-duty at the time of his arrest and is now facing potential extradition to South Carolina.
The Details of the Arrest
Lineberger was apprehended by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop. CMPD confirmed that the Rock Hill Police Department is leading the investigation and urged any inquiries about the case to be directed to them. As a result of the arrest, Lineberger has been placed on administrative leave without pay while CMPD conducts an Internal Affairs investigation.
Background Information
Dylen Lineberger joined the CMPD in January 2016 and was most recently working in the department’s Central Division. The investigation into his actions began after the Rock Hill Police received complaints regarding vandalism affecting several vehicles on Grady Drive on October 22. Just two days later, the same victim lodged a harassment complaint along nearby Ebenezer Road.
A warrant for Lineberger’s arrest was issued on October 25, and he was subsequently entered as a wanted individual in the National Crime Information Center. After the warrant was confirmed, he was arrested four days later.
Response from CMPD Chief
Following the news of his arrest, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings publicly expressed his disappointment. In a statement, he emphasized the negative impact such arrests can have on public trust in law enforcement. “Any time an officer is arrested, it shakes the public’s confidence in law enforcement and erodes trust in policing,” he stated. Jennings reiterated the department’s commitment to building strong relationships with the community and insisted that officers are expected to uphold the law, even when off duty.
Community Impact
This incident has raised significant concerns within the Charlotte and Rock Hill communities. The public’s perception of the police is often closely tied to the conduct of individual officers, and incidents like this can contribute to a broader sense of distrust.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
As the case unfolds, Lineberger will likely face a court date in South Carolina where details of the harassment charges will be discussed. The outcomes of the upcoming legal proceedings will determine the next steps regarding his employment status with CMPD.
The repercussions of this incident may extend beyond just the involved officer; they have the potential to influence community relations with law enforcement as a whole. CMPD and community leaders will be watching closely as developments emerge.
Conclusion
As this situation continues to evolve, residents of both Charlotte and Rock Hill, South Carolina, remain hopeful for transparency and accountability in the legal process. It is essential for law enforcement to maintain the highest standards of conduct to foster trust and peace within the communities they serve.
