Charlotte robbery suspect posted photos of himself that helped the cops find him
A 27-year-old man from Charlotte who robbed convenience stores at gunpoint led police right to his doorstep thanks to some photos he posted on social media showing off his weapon and face cover.
Hasahn Riyardt Flowe was sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison on Tuesday, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In 2023, Flowe robbed two north Charlotte convenience stores at gunpoint while wearing a red bandanna covering his face.
The first robbery, the press release said, took place on Jan. 22, 2023, when Flowe entered Sam’s Mart at 2630 Beatties Ford Road, armed with a pistol.
Flowe pointed the pistol at a store employee, the press release said, and demanded money from the register.
He told the employee he had just been released from prison, and ordered her “to shut up or he would shoot her.”
The employee opened the register and removed the money, and Flowe took it and ran.
On Feb. 8, 2023, at 6:20 p.m., Flowe entered a 7-Eleven at 4255 Statesville Road, carrying the same pistol.
The only person in the store was a 7-Eleven employee.
Flowe flashed his weapon and demanded money. The employee ran through the rear of the store, the press release said, and out the back door. Flowe then ran behind the counter, opened the register drawer, and pulled it out and dropped it on the floor. Another customer walked in at that moment.
Flowe pointed his gun at the customer, who backed out of the store and into the parking lot. Unable to get into the cash drawer, Flowe grabbed the employee’s purse and ran.
He gave them clues
Law enforcement found Flowe’s social media while investigating. On it, he had posted photos of himself wearing the red bandanna and showing off the pistol used in the robberies.
He was arrested on Feb. 15, 2023, and police found the firearm used in both crimes.
Flowe pleaded guilty to robbery and firearm charges in October.
He will serve his sentence in a federal prison.
Flowe was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release following his term of incarceration.
