Charlotte, NC — A citywide manhunt is underway in Charlotte after a harrowing series of random shootings left one man dead and terrorized multiple others, including a woman who narrowly escaped death as bullets flew into her home. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) reported that these incidents appear to be connected, with none of the victims acquainted with the assailant.
The spree began with the fatal shooting of 58-year-old Mustaffa Muhammad, who was killed while driving along Statesville Avenue by an unknown assailant. This killing marked the start of a terrifying chain of events that included the firing at moving vehicles, bicyclists, and houses across various parts of the city.
CMPD has stressed the randomness of these attacks, noting that the targets were chosen without any apparent motive, which only adds to the community’s fear. In response, law enforcement is urging citizens to remain vigilant, especially during late night and early morning hours, until the perpetrator is apprehended.
One particularly chilling account comes from Leticia Sandoval Juarez, whose home became one of the targets. Juarez described waking up to the sound of gunfire just before 1:30 a.m., with bullets piercing her bedroom. One of the bullets passed alarmingly close to where her daughter was sleeping. “There’s so much fear,” Juarez said. “We’re fortunate to be alive. The thought that any of us could have been killed is horrifying.”
The extent of the shooter’s rampage was evident in the bullet holes found scattered across Juarez’s property and others. The CMPD believes this series of attack began with Muhammad’s murder and continued across a swath of the city, highlighting a night of terror that left the community on edge.
To aid in the apprehension of the suspect, CMPD is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Deputy Chief at CMPD underscored the urgency of capturing the assailant to prevent further violence.
As the investigation continues, community members like Juarez are left shaken, hoping for a swift resolution. “We are just scared and terrified. We hope that this doesn’t happen again. It’s dangerous,” she said.
The CMPD has deployed additional patrols and is working closely with community leaders to reassure the public and gather information that might lead to the shooter’s capture. They urge anyone with information to come forward, assuring that all tips can be submitted anonymously.
This string of random shootings has brought to light the broader issue of gun violence in the city, sparking discussions about public safety measures and the need for community vigilatty in times of crisis.