Police say a murder investigation may have helped detectives solve a string of robberies in Mecklenburg County.

Authorities on Tuesday arrested Steven Chambers, 17, and charged him with various robbery-related offenses. They said Chambers is responsible for at least nine robberies of gas stations, fast food restaurants and a grocery store, all occurring since mid-December.

Police also arrested Jamal Pittman, 19, and charged him with killing 25-year-old Jared Bolli in Pineville, as well as with marijuana possession.

Police said they cracked the robbery cases while investigating the Bolli killing. They did not say, however, what evidence in the murder investigation led them to arrest Chambers and Pittman.

Police said they now are trying to determine whether Pittman is linked to any of the robberies.

Chambers is charged with larceny by employee, robbery, conspiracy and assault with a deadly weapon.

Police said the robbery spree began Dec. 17, during the robbery of a McDonald’s on West Sugar Creek Road where Chambers worked, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Chambers was being held on $32,000 bond and Pittman was being held without bond.

Another 17-year-old, Jacob Case, was previously charged in Bolli’s death and was being held without bond, the Observer reported.

Police say they've linked Chambers in the following robberies:

• Dec. 17: McDonald’s, 1201 W. Sugar Creek Rd. (Larceny by Employee)
• Dec. 31: Circle K, 3201 Pineville-Matthews Rd.
• Dec. 31: Dunkin Donuts, 9033 S. Tryon St.
• Dec. 31: Petro Express, 4336 Park Rd.
• Jan. 5: Taco Bell, 1800 E. Woodlawn Rd.
• Jan. 5: Harris Teeter, 9720 Rea Rd.
• Jan 5: Circle K, 2926 Selwyn Ave.
• Jan. 14: Dunkin Donuts, 709 Kings Dr.
• Jan. 20: Gas and Go Food Mart, 13209 Carowinds Blvd.

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