Charlotte, February 8, 2026
Law enforcement agencies have ramped up efforts in Charlotte, leading to notable arrests amid a focus on public safety. A suspect faces attempted murder charges after firing at officers during a police pursuit following an armed robbery. In a separate case, Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested in Florida on serious felony charges. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges for police in maintaining safety and order, urging community engagement in crime prevention.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Recent Arrests Highlight Intensified Law Enforcement Efforts in the Region
Law enforcement agencies across the region have concluded the week with significant arrests, bringing a heightened focus on public safety and the swift apprehension of individuals involved in serious criminal activities. In Charlotte, a suspect faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, after allegedly firing at officers during a pursuit following an armed robbery on Friday. This incident underscores the dangerous situations officers confront daily. Separately, in Florida, Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Charlotte native James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Saturday, facing serious felony charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Armed Robbery Suspect Fires at Officers in Charlotte Pursuit
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) detectives are actively investigating an armed robbery and subsequent vehicle pursuit that occurred in the early hours of Friday, February 6, 2026. The incident escalated when the suspect allegedly fired shots at pursuing officers.
Officers responded to an armed robbery call shortly after 3:20 a.m. in the 500 block of Summit Avenue. Upon locating the suspect vehicle, officers attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled. During the pursuit, officers reported hearing gunfire directed at them from the fleeing vehicle. The suspect vehicle ultimately crashed in the 3600 block of Morris Field Drive. One suspect attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended with the assistance of K-9 units.
The suspect, identified as Christopher Jaiquan Chisholm, 23, was transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning. Following his interview, Chisholm was transferred to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. He faces a comprehensive list of charges, including Attempted First Degree Murder, six counts of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Firearm, Felony Flee/Elude Arrest, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, and Firearm by Felon. Fortunately, no officers were injured, and no police vehicles were struck by gunfire during the incident. Officers did not discharge their service weapons. The investigation into this case remains active and ongoing, with Chisholm’s next court date set for February 9.
Atlanta Falcons Player James Pearce Jr. Arrested in Florida
In a separate development, Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker James Pearce Jr., a Charlotte native, was arrested on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Florida. He faces multiple felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, and one count of fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren.
The arrest stemmed from a reported dispute between a male and female. Pearce allegedly fled the scene and subsequently crashed his vehicle while being pursued by authorities. He was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, and as of the latest reports, no bail has been set. Reports indicate that the alleged dispute involved Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson. Pearce was a No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, with the Falcons having traded up to select him.
These recent incidents underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public order and safety, from local street crime to high-profile cases involving professional athletes. Authorities continue to urge residents to report any suspicious activities to aid in ongoing crime prevention efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in Charlotte on Friday, February 6, 2026?
- An armed robbery occurred in Charlotte, which escalated into a vehicle pursuit during which the suspect fired shots at pursuing officers. The suspect was later apprehended.
- Who was arrested in connection with the Charlotte armed robbery and pursuit?
- Christopher Jaiquan Chisholm, 23, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including Attempted First Degree Murder and six counts of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Firearm.
- Were any officers injured during the Charlotte incident?
- No officers were injured, and no police vehicles were struck by gunfire during the incident. Officers did not discharge their service weapons.
- What are the charges against Christopher Jaiquan Chisholm?
- Chisholm is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, six counts of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Firearm, Felony Flee/Elude Arrest, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, and Firearm by Felon.
- When and where was James Pearce Jr. arrested?
- James Pearce Jr., an Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Charlotte native, was arrested on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Florida.
- What charges does James Pearce Jr. face?
- He faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, and one count of fleeing or eluding police with lights or siren.
- What were the circumstances of James Pearce Jr.’s arrest?
- His arrest stemmed from a reported dispute, and he allegedly fled the scene, crashing his vehicle during a pursuit by authorities.
Key Incident Features
| Incident | Date | Location | Key Individuals | Primary Charges | Outcome/Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Robbery & Police Pursuit | Friday, Feb 6, 2026 | Charlotte, NC | Christopher Jaiquan Chisholm (Suspect) | Attempted First Degree Murder, Assault on LEO with a Firearm (x6), Felony Flee/Elude Arrest, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Firearm by Felon | Suspect apprehended; no officers injured; investigation ongoing. |
| Falcons Player Arrest | Saturday, Feb 7, 2026 | Florida | James Pearce Jr. (Atlanta Falcons Linebacker, Charlotte Native) | Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon (x2), Aggravated Stalking, Fleeing or Eluding Police | Suspect taken to correctional center; no bail set; investigation ongoing. |
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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.
