North Charlotte Today

Robert Lee Barringer, 49, of Charlotte, was sentenced on Monday to 412 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for the armed robbery of a Charlotte-area business, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) joined U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

According to court documents and proceedings, on July 26, 2021, at approximately 10:15 p.m., CMPD officers responded to Fish House North, a business engaged in adult arcade games, regarding a shooting and robbery. Officers encountered three victims at the scene: an employee, his wife, and a security guard who worked for the establishment. All three victims had suffered gunshot wounds and sustained serious injuries.

The victims stated that an individual later identified as Barringer had robbed the business. As Barringer attempted to force his way into the business, he began shooting at the victims. After entering the premises, he continued firing his weapon multiple times at them. He then ordered one victim to hand over the keys to the register and forced another victim to open it. Barringer stole $3,500 from the business before fleeing.

Law enforcement determined that Barringer was a former employee who had been fired approximately a month prior. Crime scene investigators recovered 17 cartridge casings from the scene and observed multiple bullet holes within the business. On July 28, 2021, law enforcement located and arrested Barringer at a hotel in Charlotte.

On August 5, 2022, Barringer was found guilty of interference with commerce by robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. He has a lengthy criminal history including federal and state convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon; he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Barringer will remain in federal custody pending designation to a federal facility by the Bureau of Prisons.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI and CMPD for their investigation of this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Hess and Timothy Sielaff prosecuted this case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which brings together all levels of law enforcement and communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence while making neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence; setting focused strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring results.