Large group may be responsible for crime spree

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Investigators believe a group of violent criminals, who some are calling the “minivan bandits,” may be responsible for more armed-robberies than previously reported.

On Oct. 8, the group’s crime spree turned deadly when they shot Joe Fatigato, 47, at the Anyday Payday Loans store in York County.

On Friday, officers linked the same group of men to three previous robberies in Charlotte.  Investigators said all four crimes have the same M.O. -- four to six robbers show up in a stolen van, jump out and rob small businesses, shoot the clerks and then ditch the van.

“There are (other) things that they do that we’ve caught on to that we don’t want them to know we’ve caught on to,” said Sgt. Mark Santaniello of Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

Santaniello revealed, however, that investigators are comparing notes on several other armed robberies within the past six months.

“There is some physical evidence that connects some cases," Santaniello added.

Police believe this could be a ring of criminals with as many as 15 people involved.

"It's very scary what they've been doing,” Santaniello said.  "It’s obvious that they don't have a very high respect for human life.”

Police said it’s possible the robbers live in southwest Charlotte’s Steele Creek area.

Several of the vans stolen and recovered near crime scenes were taken from Steele Creek.

"It’s a question of whether birds of a feather flock together or whether there's something about the group that generates more criminal activity,” said Dr. Robert Brame, UNC-Charlotte professor

Brame studies the criminal minds of violent crooks.

“They tend to have problems that go back a long ways in their lives, lots of problems besides crime," said Brame.  “Offenders who commit serious crimes tend to do a wide range of crimes, not just one type.” 

Police ask for vigilance as they continue to study and hunt down the “minivan bandits.”

"Everyone gets caught sooner or later and we will catch them and put them behind bars,” said Sgt. Santaniello.