CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a mass shooting that injured five people at Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte on New Year’s Eve. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Daevion Crawford fired a gun into a crowd of people, striking five individuals. The victims, including four females and a male, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with at least two of them visiting from out of the country.
The shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. as thousands of families were gathered in the area for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Video technology aided in the identification of Crawford as the suspect, and he was taken into custody at the scene. Crawford is facing five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill and one count of going armed to the terror of the public. His bond has been set at $750,000, according to police reports.
Witnesses described the scene as “chaotic,” with families running for cover and safety when the gunfire erupted. The incident has raised concerns about public safety at the park, especially given that there were multiple fights in the crowd prior to the shooting. The investigation into the incident is active and ongoing, with the police confirming that Crawford was not deemed to be an active shooter.
In addition to the shooting at Romare Bearden Park, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to multiple other disturbances throughout the night in Uptown, which involved 11 kids and an adult. Charges included assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, going armed to the terror of the public, assault on a government official, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting a public officer, and possession of a handgun by a minor.
These incidents, including the mass shooting, have raised concerns about public safety and the need for increased security measures during large-scale events in public spaces. The investigation into the New Year’s Eve shooting is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the safety and security of the community during future events.
In conclusion, the New Year’s Eve shooting at Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte has resulted in the arrest of a 19-year-old man, who is facing multiple charges in connection with the incident. The victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with at least two of them visiting from out of the country. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and the need for increased security measures during large-scale events in public spaces. The investigation into the shooting is active and ongoing, with the police working to ensure the safety and security of the community during future events.