Charlotte, North Carolina – A 19-year-old man is in police custody after allegedly opening fire on a crowd at Romare Bearden Park during New Year’s Eve celebrations, injuring five people. The incident occurred during the city’s CLT NYE Uptown 123123 festivities, as revelers gathered to watch fireworks and witness the lighting of the Queen City Crown.
The suspect, who was quickly apprehended by officers patrolling the park, did not continue shooting after the initial incident. All five victims, consisting of four women and one man, sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being shot below the knee. Using video technology, detectives were able to provide officers with a description of the suspect, leading to his swift arrest at the scene.
Following an interview with detectives, the 19-year-old suspect was charged with five counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, as well as one misdemeanor count of going armed to the terror of the public. He is currently being held on a $750,000 bond, with a scheduled court appearance on January 2.
Footage obtained by Queen City Nerve showed the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, with multiple arrests made as bystanders gathered around the park while first responders tried to make sense of the scene. Additionally, several people were arrested at the top of a nearby parking garage overlooking the park shortly after the shooting. It remains unclear whether the suspect was among those taken into custody on the roof of the garage.
Notably, this incident occurred less than six months after a separate episode during Fourth of July celebrations at Romare Bearden Park, where a dozen juveniles were arrested and weapons were seized. The latest shooting also resulted in multiple disturbances in the Uptown area, leading to the arrest of 12 people, including 11 juveniles and one adult. Charges for the arrested individuals include assault on a government official, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting a public officer, and possession of a handgun by a minor. Three officers were treated for minor injuries sustained at the scene.