Attempted murder suspect escapes Monroe police, manhunt continues

MONROE, NC — Monroe police say a suspect escaped from police custody in Union County while handcuffed.

The suspect is still at large and is considered “armed and dangerous.”

Multiple law enforcement agencies are actively searching for 42-year-old Cleveland Lamont Waters.

He fled on Friday evening after attempting to kill someone, police said.

Authorities are asking people not to approach Waters if they see him. They are asking anyone who sees him to call 9-1-1 immediately.

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He was last seen wearing black pants and a red shirt and may still be handcuffed.

Shortly before 5 a.m., officers found a man on Winchester Avenue who had been shot multiple times.

Police determined that the shooting actually occurred in the middle of English Street and the victim ran to where he collapsed on Winchester Avenue. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive.

They identified Waters as a suspect and investigators tracked him to a home on Locklyn Road in Waxhaw. They had an arrest warrant.

A special team arrested Waters in the house.

According to police, several firearms and “a significant amount of illegal drugs” were seized from the house.

Before Waters could be taken to prison, he fled to the area around Carroll Street.

He was still wearing his handcuffs.

Officers conducted an extensive search of the area throughout the night using sniffer dogs and other means, but were unable to locate Waters.

Investigators believe Waters fled the area.

Monroe Police have asked surrounding agencies, state and federal authorities for additional resources to assist in the search for Waters.

There are arrest warrants out for him, including attempted premeditated murder, illegal possession of weapons and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

This is an active, ongoing investigation.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600. Citizens can be rewarded up to $5,000 in cash for providing anonymous tips that help in the arrest of criminals or fugitives.

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