CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department discussed their investigation into a shooting that left a child seriously wounded over the weekend. Almost an hour and a half prior to the news briefing, however, WCNC Charlotte learned the child wounded in the shooting was a 10-year-old girl.
On Saturday, CMPD said they responded to an assault with a deadly weapon that happened near a car wash on Sunset Road. The girl was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
WCNC Charlotte obtained the incident report associated with the shooting from CMPD, confirming the victim's age and gender. Additionally, the report reveals two other victims were present, but not wounded: a 34-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl.
CMPD said on Wednesday during a news conference the girl, identified as Cherish, is still in the hospital. She is still alive, but still recovering from injuries deemed "life-altering".
Police say her mother said Cherish is her shining star, who cares about people. Now, her life is forever changed after a suspect shot her, at a north Charlotte car wash.
“Cherish loves to ride her bike, she loves to sing and dance and traveling with her family," CMPD Lt. Bryan Crum said.
Cherish is described as an outgoing, active child, and what happened to her was "beyond our worst nightmares" according to Crum.
He said Cherish and her mother were at the car wash when the shooting unfolded. He said police don't believe they were the intended targets but still stressed that they and others at the car wash were endangered when the suspect opened fire. Officers said they don't believe anything else transpired prior to the shooting.
“Cherish and her family should’ve been able to go out on a Saturday afternoon enjoying life and not have to worry about this happening, I think our community members should feel the same way and not want this person out in their community," Lt. Bryan Crum said.
He also noted during the news conference the suspect likely ran from the scene, leading them to believe the suspect lives near the car wash and is familiar with the area. Crum asked for anyone with any information to contact them or leave a Crime Stoppers tip. To note, Crum said the department had several people come forward and are being helpful, but still say any bit of information can help.
Crum also touched on the emotional overtones of what happened, noting many officers had children or family members that are as old as Cherish.
Neighbors in the area of the car wash are heartbroken for the family. One woman spoke to WCNC Charlotte but asked to remain anonymous in fear for her safety.
“I know this will be one of the traumatic situations that she’ll remember for the rest of her life," she said.
She gave a message to the person who did this.
“Turn yourself in if you have any remorse for what you’ve done, turn yourself in and ask for forgiveness."
Now, there's a new call to action to end gun violence.
“Cowardly act, it’s a cowardly act," Founder of Heal Charlotte, Greg Jackson said.
Jackson says gun violence is the dark side of the Charlotte.
“We do not support these types of acts, we don’t want to see this happen in our neighborhoods, we don’t want to see this happen to our babies, to our adults to our elders, asking everyone to be responsible," Jackson said.
To be responsible, that's the goal, Heal Charlotte wants to instill in young community members.
“Let kids know there’s someone that’s relatable to you that’s been through these rough times, these trials and tribulations and there’s a better way on the other side of it," Jackson said. “And it’s our job to find these kids too and get us out to schools so it’s a big call out to CMS to get these community leaders inside of the schools."
Jackson hopes Cherish ultimately gets justice, and CMPD is working to see that she does.
“Innocent kids that are falling victim to gun violence, it should never happen," Lt. Bryan Crum said.
Thursday night at The Keith Family YMCA, Heal Charlotte will host a gun violence prevention workshop. They will discuss the psychological breakdown of people involved in gun violence.
Anyone with information about what happened is urged to call 704-432-TIPS to speak directly with a detective. Anonymous Crime Stoppers tips can be sent in online or by calling 704-334-1600.