Man charged with attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping after breaking into NoDa home

Suspect Aleksandros Soutzos accused of assaulting resident, trying to burn down house

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:49am

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Police in Charlotte, North Carolina have arrested 29-year-old Aleksandros Soutzos and charged him with a range of serious crimes, including attempted first-degree murder, first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, kidnapping, and assault. Authorities say Soutzos broke into a home in the NoDa neighborhood, assaulted a resident with a table leg, restrained the victim, and then attempted to burn down the house using gasoline.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing public safety concerns in the NoDa area, which has experienced previous issues with a problematic rental property according to local residents. The charges against Soutzos are severe, indicating the alleged actions posed a significant threat to the victims and the broader community.

The details

Police responded to a call on Friday night and took Soutzos into custody shortly after arriving on the scene. Authorities say he broke into the home on Herrin Avenue, assaulted a resident with a table leg, restrained the victim, and then tried to set the house on fire using gasoline. Neighbors described the home as a 'problem house' with a history of issues.

  • On Friday night, officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to a call in east Charlotte.
  • Shortly after they arrived, they took 29-year-old Aleksandros Soutzos into custody.

The players

Aleksandros Soutzos

A 29-year-old man who has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, kidnapping, and assault after allegedly breaking into a home in Charlotte's NoDa neighborhood, assaulting a resident, and attempting to burn down the house.

Wood Watts

A long-time resident in the NoDa area who witnessed the police response to the incident and described the home where the alleged crimes took place as a 'problem house' with a history of issues.

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What they’re saying

“'I seen all these cops walking around with flashlights and stuff.'”

— Wood Watts, Resident

“'It's the only problem house we've got in this neighborhood that I know of. There have been people coming and going into there.'”

— Wood Watts, Resident

“'I'm thinking this house is a great big candidate for a nuisance.'”

— Wood Watts, Resident

What’s next

Soutzos is currently being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond. Authorities have not yet indicated if there is a connection between the suspect and the victims or if they knew each other prior to the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing public safety concerns in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte, where a problematic rental property has been the source of repeated disturbances. The severity of the charges against Soutzos, including attempted murder and arson, underscore the threat posed to the local community and the need for continued vigilance and action to address persistent issues with certain properties.