Gunfire Disrupts Back-to-School Fair in Charlotte

Charlotte, August 13, 2025

News Summary

A back-to-school fair at C.W. Williams Community Health Center was interrupted by gunfire on Saturday. No injuries were reported. The incident stemmed from an altercation involving a woman who fired warning shots. Despite the chaos, local leaders emphasized the fair’s importance in providing essential services to families. The suspect has been arrested and charged, while the community reflects on safety concerns related to gun violence.

Charlotte – A back-to-school fair held at the C.W. Williams Community Health Center in west Charlotte on Saturday was marred by gunfire, although no injuries were reported. The event, which is in its eleventh year, provided healthcare services and school supplies to thousands of local families preparing for the new school year.

As the fair was drawing to a close, gunshots were heard, causing immediate chaos among attendees. The disruption stemmed from an altercation involving a woman named Cherez Davis, who reportedly fired three warning shots into the air to quell a fight that involved her son. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded swiftly to the scene, arresting Davis on charges of going armed to the terror of the public and carrying a concealed weapon. She is currently being held under a $250,000 bond.

Despite the alarming event, the CEO of C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Debra Weeks, expressed her gratitude that no injuries occurred. She lamented the disruption of what is usually a positive experience for the community and reiterated that violent incidents like this have no place on their property.

Several local elected officials attended the fair, including Congresswoman Alma Adams, who highlighted the crucial role the health center plays in serving underserved communities. After the incident, Adams conveyed gratitude towards the CMPD for their prompt actions.

The C.W. Williams Community Health Center has been a vital resource for the local community for nearly 11 years, offering essential healthcare services and support. The center aims to improve health outcomes and access to care for the families in the area.

While the gunfire overshadowed the day, authorities have not released further details about the shooting or the individuals involved. The incident serves as a reminder of ongoing concerns about gun violence and safety in community spaces.

Event Details

• Event Name: 11th Annual Back to School Community Health Fair
• Date: Saturday
• Location: C.W. Williams Community Health Center, West Charlotte
• Attendance: Thousands of families
• Featured Services: Healthcare and school supplies
• Notable Attendees: Elected officials including Congresswoman Alma Adams

Incident Overview

• Type of Incident: Gunshots fired during community event
• Event Disruption: Began toward the end of the fair
• Suspect: Cherez Davis
• Charges: Armed to the terror of the public, carrying a concealed weapon
• Response: Quick intervention by CMPD, leading to suspect’s arrest
• Injuries: No injuries reported

Community Impact

The C.W. Williams Community Health Center is an essential provider of health services to underserved populations, making incidents like this particularly concerning for local residents. The center emphasizes community wellbeing and safety and strives to provide a secure environment for events that benefit families.

Conclusion

As the community reflects on the incident, organizers and officials remain committed to offering safe, supportive programs that meet the needs of families as they prepare for a new school year.

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Additional Resources

• WCNC: Back to School Events in Charlotte
• Wikipedia: School Safety
• WBTV: Gunshots Fired at Charlotte Event
• Google Search: Back to School Charlotte 2025
• WSOC: Shooting at Back to School Event
• Google Scholar: Community Health Events
• QC News: Reported Shooting at Event
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
• Charlotte 49ers: Back to School Basketball Clinic
• Google News: Community Health Charlotte

Author: HERE Charlotte

The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.