Tragic Assault on CATS Bus Leaves Charlotte Man in Dire Situation

News Summary

In a heartbreaking incident in Charlotte, North Carolina, a homeless veteran named James Godfrey was seriously injured in a violent altercation aboard a CATS bus. The assault, which left him quadriplegic, occurred on March 6 when he engaged in an argument with another passenger. Witnesses reported that Godfrey was attacked, leading to severe spinal injuries that now require him to have 24-hour care. The alleged assailant has been arrested and faces serious charges. The community is rallying around Godfrey, offering support during this challenging time.

Tragic Assault on CATS Bus Leaves Charlotte Man in a Dire Situation

In Charlotte, North Carolina, a heartbreaking incident unfolded on March 6 that has left a local man, James Godfrey, in a life-altering predicament. Godfrey, a homeless veteran, was seriously injured while riding a CATS bus, resulting in him becoming quadriplegic after a violent encounter.

The Day of the Incident

On that fateful morning, at approximately 7:40 a.m., Godfrey boarded the bus at the intersection of Sugar Creek Road and W.T. Harris Boulevard, marking the beginning of a typical day that would quickly spiral into chaos.

Earlier that day, around 6:50 a.m., the alleged assailant, Moses Early, had boarded the same bus at the Charlotte Transportation Center. The two men eventually found themselves seated near one another, leading to a brief exchange. Godfrey, looking to make conversation, soon found himself in a verbal back-and-forth with Early which seemed to escalate quickly.

The Altercation

Witnesses have reported that during the argument, Godfrey pointed at Early, which may have ignited the spark for the physical confrontation that ensued. Early, seemingly calm and collected, remained seated while Godfrey, in a moment of desperation, attempted to take Early’s bookbag.

This action proved disastrous for Godfrey. In a swift motion, Early retaliated by striking Godfrey in the face with his knee, causing him to collapse and lose consciousness. As the bus continued on its route, the assault took an even darker turn. Early kicked and stomped on Godfrey as he lay motionless before simply picking up his bookbag, returning to his seat, and exiting the bus at his stop, leaving Godfrey behind in a life-threatening state.

The Aftermath

Only after completing the bus route did the driver discover the severity of Godfrey’s injuries. Paramedics arrived promptly, and Godfrey was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery. Sadly, doctors revealed that Godfrey had sustained a severe spinal injury that rendered him quadriplegic, necessitating 24-hour care for the rest of his life.

The Legal Proceedings

In the days following the assault, Early, aged 29, was arrested on March 12 and currently faces serious charges including attempted first-degree murder. His bond has been set at an alarming $200,000, and he remains in custody as the legal process unfolds.

Community Support and Family’s Request

Godfrey’s situation has captured the heart of the community. His family has created a GoFundMe page to assist with his extensive medical expenses. They are also asking everyone to keep him in their thoughts and prayers, especially as Godfrey has been declared incompetent to make decisions regarding his ongoing care. This declaration adds another layer of complexity to an already tough situation for both him and his loved ones.

Conclusion

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our society’s less fortunate members, especially veterans like Godfrey, who have served our country. As investigations continue and the community rallies around Godfrey in support, we are reminded of the impact that acts of violence can have—not only on the individual but on families and communities as a whole. This story shines a spotlight on the urgent need for compassion, understanding, and, above all, action in preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Gun Fired During Heated Argument on Charlotte’s CATS Bus
Violent Weekend in Charlotte: Disturbing Incidents Emerge

Additional Resources

• Charlotte Observer
• New York Post
• ABC7 NY
• NJ.com
• Wikipedia: Assault