Charlotte Man Arrested After Shooting at School Bus
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a shocking incident where bullets were fired into a school bus filled with students. The suspect, Jaheim Boone, appeared in court on Friday facing multiple serious charges, including three counts of intent to kill and seven counts of shooting into an occupied moving vehicle. A judge denied him bond.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon when Boone reportedly used a Glock 45 9mm handgun to fire shots at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bus. According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a drug deal and a dispute over territory between two groups.
Details of the Incident
Two students from Albemarle Road Middle School sustained minor injuries from shattered glass during the alarming incident, which unfolded as the bus traveled along East W.T. Harris Boulevard. It was around 3:40 p.m. when police received reports of the shooting.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with a juvenile who indicated that he was involved in a drug deal when their vehicle came under fire. The young individual was taken to the hospital to receive treatment for cuts caused by the broken glass. Officers discovered an Infiniti Q50 nearby with visible bullet damage and broken windows, which had also been reported as stolen.
Suspects Identified
The juvenile revealed that he had been picked up earlier that day by a person referred to as “Marquise,” later identified as 20-year-old Paris Lewis-Bynum. The juvenile claimed they were attempting to purchase marijuana when an altercation broke out with individuals in a separate white car. This led to a shootout between the vehicles.
In a hurried bid for safety, the juvenile ducked from the gunfire and ran toward the school bus, seeking help. Multiple children on the bus were treated for injuries related to the broken glass, while a nearby church was also struck by gunfire, although there were no injuries reported there.
Further Arrests Made
Detectives were able to identify Lewis-Bynum through body camera footage from an earlier incident. He was arrested on Wednesday and is facing charges that include possession of a stolen firearm, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Lewis-Bynum has been denied bond and is scheduled to have a court appearance on January 9, 2025.
Additionally, authorities have arrested another suspect, 21-year-old Lamarius Ramel Anthony, who was linked to the other vehicle involved in the gunfight. Anthony has been charged with felony possession of cocaine and carrying a concealed weapon and is being held in jail with a $9,000 bond.
As for the juvenile who initially reported the shooting, he is now in custody for possession of a stolen vehicle.
Community Response
The unsettling event has prompted concern among parents and educators about the safety of students. Police continue to investigate the details surrounding the shooting and its motivations as they work to ensure community safety.
Authorities have asked anyone with information related to this shooting to come forward as they piece together the events that led to this alarming situation involving children on a school bus.
For the most recent updates and alerts regarding this investigation, residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news channels and community announcements.
