Charlotte Man Arrested for Shooting at School Bus
Charlotte, N.C. — A 23-year-old man named Jaheim Boone has been arrested and charged for shooting into a school bus filled with children on Monday afternoon. Boone faces serious charges, including three counts of intent to kill and seven counts of shooting into an occupied moving vehicle. During a court appearance on Friday, a judge denied him bond.
Details of the Incident
According to court documents, Boone allegedly fired a Glock 45 9mm handgun into the school bus, which was transporting students from Albemarle Road Middle School. The shooting is believed to be linked to a drug deal and a dispute over territory. At the time of the incident, several children were on the bus, and two students sustained injuries due to shattered glass when the bullet struck the window while the bus traveled along East W.T. Harris Blvd..
Arrests Made
On Friday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announced the arrest of a second suspect, 21-year-old Joshua Woods. He has been charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and felony conspiracy. Like Boone, Woods was denied bond during his court appearance on December 23.
Witness Accounts
At approximately 3:40 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to reports of a shooting on W.T. Harris Boulevard. Upon arrival, they met with a juvenile who claimed he was in a vehicle trying to buy marijuana when their car was shot at. The juvenile, whose identity has not been released, was taken to the hospital with cuts from the shattered glass. Officers located an Infiniti Q50 with visible bullet holes and broken windows, which had been reported stolen. This car matched the description provided by the juvenile.
Connection to the Shooting
The juvenile informed police that earlier in the day, he was picked up by someone he referred to as “Marquise,” later identified as 20-year-old Paris Lewis-Bynum. The juvenile described how Lewis-Bynum, after initiating a conversation in a car, pulled into the parking lot of a Dollar General alongside a white car. An argument erupted between the two parties, leading to a shootout between the vehicles.
As the gunfire erupted, the frightened juvenile ducked and ran towards the school bus in search of safety. Thankfully, multiple students were treated for injuries related to broken glass, and while a nearby church was also struck by gunfire, no one inside was harmed.
Further Investigations
Detectives reviewed body camera footage from an earlier interaction involving Lewis-Bynum and were able to confirm his identity. He was arrested on Wednesday and faces multiple charges, including possession of a stolen firearm and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. In court documents, Lewis-Bynum is accused of using a stolen rifle to defend drug territory by firing shots that ultimately hit the school bus, which was not his intended target. He is currently being held without bond and is set to appear in court on January 9, 2025.
Additionally, CMPD arrested 21-year-old Lamarius Ramel Anthony, a passenger in the other vehicle involved in the shooting. He faces charges of felony possession of cocaine and carrying a concealed weapon. His bond has been set at $9,000. The juvenile who initially spoke with officers has also been taken into custody, charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.
Conclusion
This shocking incident has raised concerns among parents and community members regarding safety in and around schools. The ongoing investigations highlight the seriousness of the situation as authorities work to ensure justice is served for those affected.
