Authorities in Charlotte, North Carolina, have disclosed details of a high-profile incident involving an illegal street takeover that resulted in a shooting. Last weekend, hundreds of vehicles participated in unauthorized road activities across various locations in the city. The event, which spanned from Friday evening through early Sunday morning, involved dangerous stunts, fireworks, and fire-setting on public roads. In response, law enforcement made two arrests, issued 18 citations, seized five cars, and recovered one stolen vehicle. A bystander was injured during the chaos, prompting increased police action.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported that approximately 100 vehicles were involved in these activities on Friday. By Saturday night, participants from a drag racing event at Rockingham Dragway joined in, expanding the scale of the takeovers significantly. During these events, authorities noted that fires were ignited, flares were lit, and reckless driving maneuvers were performed on several major streets, including South Boulevard, Wilkinson Boulevard, Sardis Road North, Kenilworth Avenue, Gibbon Road, and University City Boulevard.

As officers attempted to disperse the crowd on University City Boulevard, the group relocated to Neal Road to begin another takeover. It was during this reconvened event that shots were fired, injuring a bystander who had no connection to the takeover. The victim suffered abdominal injuries but survived the attack.

Law enforcement officials subsequently arrested Cortavian Winston, aged 21, and Ki’Juan Thompson, aged 23. Both individuals faced charges related to participating in street takeovers, fleeing from authorities, resisting arrest, and additional offenses. Their involvement underscores the severity of the situation and highlights the dangers posed by such unauthorized gatherings.

In light of these events, local authorities are urging residents to report any suspicious activity promptly. They emphasize the importance of community cooperation in preventing similar incidents in the future. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when large groups engage in hazardous behavior on public roads, endangering both participants and innocent bystanders alike.