CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a mass shooting that injured five people at Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte on New Year’s Eve. The shooting occurred as thousands of families were gathered for a New Year’s Eve event in the park.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Daevion Crawford fired a gun into a crowd of people, injuring five individuals. Two of the victims were visiting from out of the country, and all five victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene and is facing multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and going armed to the terror of the public.
Video footage showed families running for cover and safety as the gunfire erupted, creating a chaotic scene. The incident followed multiple fights in the crowd earlier in the evening, prompting concerns from witnesses about the safety of the event.
In addition to the shooting at Romare Bearden Park, there were multiple other disturbances throughout Uptown on New Year’s Eve, resulting in the arrest of 11 kids and an adult. Charges included assault with a deadly weapon, resisting a public officer, and possession of a handgun by a minor. Two CMPD officers were also assaulted and sustained minor injuries.
The investigation into the shooting at Romare Bearden Park is ongoing, and the suspect is currently held on a $750,000 bond. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and the need for increased security measures at large gatherings in the area.
The New Year’s Eve events in Uptown Charlotte resulted in a significant law enforcement response and multiple arrests, highlighting the challenges of managing large crowds and ensuring public safety during holiday celebrations.