CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One person was seriously hurt in a shooting at a Harris Teeter shopping center in Charlotte's Steele Creek area Tuesday, police said.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police were called to a reported shooting at the Berewick Town Center on Steele Creek Road around 11 a.m. When officers reached the area, they found a person outside the Harris Teeter who had been shot.
The victim was rushed to a Charlotte hospital in serious condition, according to CMPD. Police cruisers surrounded a blue SUV that had heavy damage in the parking lot.
Neel Jadeja, who lives and works in the area, witnessed the shooting and spoke to WCNC Charlotte photojournalist Tony Gutowski and reporter Lexi Wilson.
“It was like a movie," Jadeja said. “Something very violent, scary, and frightening, especially for this area."
Jadeja said the altercation started inside the Chevy Tahoe which reportedly caused the Tahoe to crash into several vehicles in the parking lot.
The fight then continued outside the SUV, and at some point, shots were fired.
“To see it actually coming to this area, to come to this environment, to affect my neighbors and clients, it’s definitely something to be concerned about," Jadeja said. “We got to keep our families safe our children safe."
A Charlotte Fire Department firefighter witnessed the shooting and was the first to provide aid to the gunshot victim, according to the fire department. The firefighter was identified as Michael Cunningham.
"Following his valiant efforts to keep bystanders safe and out of harm's way, Cunningham gave emergency medical care to the shooting victim on the scene," the fire department said in a released statement. "We are extremely proud of firefighter Cunningham for answering the call to serve and for his heroic act."
On Wednesday, CMPD announced that Tan Nhat Tran, 20, was arrested for this incident. Tran is charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Investigators say Tran had met with the victim about the sale of a Dodge Charger that Tran listed for sale on Facebook. During this interaction, Tran revealed a handgun to the victim, who attempted to drive off from the area. Tran then clung on to the victim and struck them in the abdomen, according to CMPD.
After striking a vehicle, the victim took the weapon from Tran, who fled into a nearby hotel. CMPD located and arrested Tran shortly after. Investigators learned the Dodge Charger was stolen from Alabama.
This is the second shooting at a business in Charlotte since late Monday night. One person was killed and another was hurt in a shooting at the Pilot Travel Center off Interstate 85 and Statesville Avenue in north Charlotte.
Any person with information about this shooting is asked to call CMPD's Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Witnesses may also call 704-432-TIPS to speak directly with homicide detectives.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.