Officer Arrested in Lincoln County Following Harassment Allegations
Lincoln County, North Carolina – A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer, Dylan Lineberger, has been arrested on allegations of harassment in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The 27-year-old officer is currently awaiting extradition to South Carolina to face a first-degree harassment charge, as detailed in a news release from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and statements from Rock Hill officials.
Details of the Incident
The arrest occurred on Tuesday following a traffic stop conducted by Lincoln County deputies. Lineberger’s arrest is linked to a series of incidents in Rock Hill, located approximately 25 miles south of Charlotte. According to the Rock Hill police department, several vehicles were vandalized on Grady Drive on October 22. Subsequently, the same victim reported instances of harassment just two days later, on October 24.
In relation to these allegations, Rock Hill police issued a warrant for Lineberger’s arrest on October 25. Since he was taken into custody in North Carolina, he now faces the process of extradition to South Carolina where he will be served with the warrant.
Impact on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Pending an internal affairs investigation, Lineberger has been placed on administrative leave from his position at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), where he has been employed since 2016, primarily serving in the department’s Central Division. CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings expressed his disappointment regarding the situation in a statement, remarking that “Any time an officer is arrested, it shakes the public’s confidence in law enforcement and erodes trust in policing.” He emphasized the department’s ongoing efforts to foster positive community relations while holding officers accountable for their actions.
Community Reactions
The arrest of a law enforcement officer has raised concerns within the community about the conduct of officers who are sworn to protect and serve. Advocates for police reform have echoed sentiments of disappointment, urging the CMPD to maintain high standards for its officers and further engage with the public to rebuild any lost trust.
The Rock Hill police department reported that the incident reports related to the vandalism and harassment were not publicly accessible as of Tuesday afternoon. This lack of available information adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation surrounding the case.
Next Steps
With an internal investigation underway at CMPD, the next steps involve Lineberger’s extradition process to South Carolina, after which he will face the charges filed against him. As the situation evolves, both the CMPD and the Rock Hill police department will likely provide updates regarding the progress of the investigation and the legal proceedings to follow.
The arrest has not only attracted attention from local media but has also sparked discussions among community members about policing standards, accountability, and the challenges that law enforcement faces in maintaining public trust.
