CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A teen is facing serious injuries after a shooting in southwest Charlotte early Thursday morning, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Officers responded to the incident around 2:45 a.m. Thursday along Silver Arrow Drive near East Arrowood Road. Medic said the victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
“It hardens my heart and it saddens me because it’s something no parent wants to hear about their child being shot," Founder of Young Men United, Mark Raley said.
Thursday morning's shooting is less than half a mile from where three other shootings took place on Deep Rock Circle in May. The shootings took the lives of a 33-year-old and a 19-year-old. A 9-year-old and two others were also hurt in one shooting.
“As a community, we are responsible for our youth,” Raley said.
According to CMPD, since the beginning of 2022, there have been at least 482 juvenile victims of firearm-related crimes.
Community leaders are looking to bring about change.
“I’ve seen so many young people change," Raley said. "Because I’ve seen the change I know it’s possible."
Raley is fighting to create change in the community, by having honest conversations and pouring support into areas where crime is high.
“The City of Charlotte has to do better to make sure the resources [are] on in that community," Raley said.
A CMPD lieutenant told WCNC Charlotte the area has always been a challenge but they're working with community leaders to help cut down crime. There have been town halls to address the issues.
A look at the CMPD crime map shows everything from robberies, sex crimes, assaults, and shootings happening near Deep Rock Circle.
There has been no word of a suspect.
Check back here for updates and on our news app.
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