Charlotte Bus Shooting Leaves Students Shaken
Charlotte, NC – In a shocking incident that rattled the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community, a school bus was caught in the crossfire of a shooting on Monday evening. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) released a harrowing video showing stray bullets narrowly missing students onboard the bus, underscoring the severity of the situation.
What Happened
Authorities reported that the shooting took place around early Monday evening on the 8800 block of East W. T. Harris Blvd., where it intersects with Idlewild Road, near Albemarle Road. At the time of the shooting, approximately 30 students were onboard the CMS bus. Thankfully, the bus itself was not the intended target of the gunfire, which was linked to a nearby drug dispute.
Injuries and Response
At least one student suffered injuries due to broken glass from the shooting. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) indicated that two students were treated for minor glass cuts, with at least one student receiving immediate care from MEDIC, according to Albemarle Road Middle School Principal Toni Perry. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported, but the incident left students and parents traumatized.
The Arrests
In the aftermath of the shooting, CMPD quickly moved to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case. Witnesses reported that the gunfire erupted as a result of a drug-related conflict nearby. Officers arrested 21-year-old Lamarius Ramel Anthony on Tuesday and charged him in connection with the incident. The following day, Paris Lewis-Bynum, 20, was also taken into custody. He faces multiple charges, including possession of a stolen firearm and assault with a deadly weapon, in addition to previous firearms charges on his record.
Community Shock and Concern
The shooting has raised alarms among parents and community members, who are now questioning the safety measures in place for students. CMS emphasized the importance of safety and has been cooperating with law enforcement throughout the investigation. They are also working to provide support to students and families who may need assistance coping with the aftermath of this traumatic event.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, CMPD’s focus remains on uncovering the full details of the shooting and its connection to the broader drug disputes in the area. The police department has urged anyone with additional information to come forward, emphasizing community involvement in ensuring safety.
This unsettling incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing communities across the nation, particularly in relation to youth safety. CMS and local authorities are dedicated to addressing such issues and providing a secure environment for students to learn and grow.
As details develop, the community will be monitoring the situation closely, hoping for answers and a commitment to enhanced safety measures in the future.
