CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Four people are facing charges after gunshots were fired near a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bus in west Charlotte Tuesday evening, police said.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police responded to a reported shooting on West Boulevard near Remount Road around 6 p.m. Investigators said the bus was behind the vehicles when the shooting happened.
The bus was taking students home from Quail Hollow Middle School, according to CMS. None of the students were hurt and they were all taken home safely by 7:30 p.m. The school's principal sent a message to parents alerting the of the incident and said that counselors would be available for any students who need emotional assistance.
The shooting is being investigated as a road rage incident, according to CMPD. Police said a person in a black Dodge Charger fired shots at another vehicle. Five people were arrested after the suspect vehicle was spotted by officers around 10 p.m. Those individuals were taken into custody after a brief chase, CMPD said.
On Wednesday, CMPD said four of the people they had taken into custody now face charges tied to the incident:
- 21-year-old Fredrick Dickson was charged with discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle, resist/delay/obstructing officers, possession of a firearm by a felon, and felony speeding to elude
- 19-year-old Messiyah McManus was charged with discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, and resist/delay/obstructing officers
- 19-year-old Timmie Smith was charged with discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle and resist/delay/obstructing officers
- 21-year-old Arthur Kirkpatrick was charged with discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle and resist/delay/obstructing officers
CMPD also noted the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone who can provide further information can call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 to leave an anonymous tip, or submit one online.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
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