(RepublicanPress.org) – Charlotte, South Carolina, has one of the nation’s highest crime rates for any metropolitan area of any size. Neighborhood Scout reported that an individual has a one-in-25 chance of falling victim to unlawful activity involving property or violence. A recent horrific shooting involving a fast food worker and a patron serves as an example of the random nature of criminal behavior involving a firearm.
On October 1, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) issued a moderate-level alert on its X/Twitter account. The notification directed interested partners to a post containing additional details on Atlas One, a digital communication system and app designed for public safety notices.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon Investigation in the Hickory Grove Division https://t.co/27GguKjKyj
— CMPD News (@CMPD) October 1, 2023
The Atlas One alert detailed a recent assault with a deadly weapon. On September 30, police officers from the department’s Hickory Grove Division responded to a shots fired call with injury at a Taco Bell restaurant.
Upon arrival, the officers found a restaurant employee suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses told the officers the suspect started exhibiting aggressive behavior in the franchise’s drive-thru shortly after ordering food.
The suspect reportedly believed the restaurant worker shortchanged him. The disgruntled patron allegedly left the drive-thru lane, entered the restaurant, shot the Taco Bell employee, and fled the scene.
Emergency workers transported the worker to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. The status of that individual remains unclear.
Subsequent updates to the alert indicated that investigators could confirm the suspect vehicle’s description using surveillance video footage and witness statements. Police officers located the car, described as “a distinctive model,” in a nearby apartment complex parking lot.
Uniformed officers remained there to observe any possible movement by the suspect. At the same time, police detectives “obtained warrants,” presumably one for arrest and another to search the suspect’s vehicle and residence for the weapon used in the assault.
Once detectives obtained those warrants, they made contact with the suspect. That individual voluntarily exited their residence and surrendered to police officers without further incident.
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