Charlotte, February 10, 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina, has recently experienced a series of alarming incidents, including a fatal shooting at a Bank of America branch and a homicide on Callabridge Court. In Hickory, an officer-involved shooting also drew state-level investigation. Community concern grows as law enforcement manages ongoing investigations into these significant events impacting public safety.
Charlotte
Recent events in Charlotte, North Carolina, have included multiple significant incidents, prompting law enforcement investigations and community concern. One man has been charged following a fatal shooting at a Bank of America branch in northwest Charlotte on February 8, 2026. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) swiftly apprehended a suspect in connection with the woman’s death.
In a separate but similarly serious incident, detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit continued their investigation into a homicide that occurred on February 6, 2026, near the 9700 block of Callabridge Court in the North Division of Charlotte. The victim was identified as Ina Michelle Lang, 50. As a result of the ongoing investigation, Sam’on Andrew Smith, 22, was detained as a person of interest on February 6, 2026, and subsequently charged with murder on February 7, 2026. The investigation into this case remains active and ongoing.
Further impacting the city, a person was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a shooting late Monday afternoon, February 9, 2026, in northeast Charlotte. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. along North Tryon Street near Atando Avenue. Authorities are actively working to gather more information regarding this event.
Hickory
In Hickory, North Carolina, an officer-involved shooting on February 8, 2026, prompted a State-level investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The incident involved Hickory Police officers and a 35-year-old man, Robert Mitchell Lester, who was reportedly armed with a knife.
The event unfolded after an initial confrontation outside the El Paso Mexican Restaurant on North Center Street, where Lester allegedly approached officers in their patrol car with a knife. Officers exited their vehicle to confront him, and Lester continued to approach them aggressively and verbally challenge them. During an attempt to flee, Lester allegedly stabbed a police K-9. He then reportedly turned towards officers as he approached 16th Avenue NW, leading officers to fire their weapons.
Lester was transported to a hospital, where his condition was reported as medically stable. He is expected to face charges following his release. Two officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the SBI’s investigation, a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. Neither officer sustained injuries. The SBI is interviewing witnesses and seeking any video footage related to the incident as part of their thorough investigation.
Investigations Continue
Law enforcement agencies across North Carolina are diligently working on these cases. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department encourages anyone with information about the Charlotte incidents to contact them directly or Charlotte Crime Stoppers anonymously. Similarly, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation continues to pursue all leads in the Hickory officer-involved shooting. These investigations underscore the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and accountability within the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in northwest Charlotte recently?
A man has been charged following a fatal shooting at a Bank of America branch in northwest Charlotte on February 8, 2026. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) swiftly apprehended a suspect in connection with the woman’s death.
Who was the victim in the Callabridge Court homicide in Charlotte?
The victim in the homicide that occurred on February 6, 2026, near the 9700 block of Callabridge Court in the North Division of Charlotte was identified as Ina Michelle Lang, 50.
Who was charged in the Callabridge Court homicide?
Sam’on Andrew Smith, 22, was detained as a person of interest on February 6, 2026, and subsequently charged with murder on February 7, 2026, in connection with the Callabridge Court homicide.
What happened in northeast Charlotte?
A person was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a shooting late Monday afternoon, February 9, 2026, in northeast Charlotte. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. along North Tryon Street near Atando Avenue.
What was the officer-involved shooting incident in Hickory?
An officer-involved shooting occurred in Hickory, North Carolina, on February 8, 2026, involving Hickory Police officers and a 35-year-old man, Robert Mitchell Lester, who was reportedly armed with a knife.
Who is investigating the Hickory officer-involved shooting?
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is conducting a State-level investigation into the Hickory officer-involved shooting.
What is the suspect’s current condition after the Hickory shooting?
Robert Mitchell Lester was transported to a hospital, where his condition was reported as medically stable. He is expected to face charges following his release.
Key Incident Features
| Incident | Location | Date of Event/Update | Details | Investigation Status | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatal Shooting | Bank of America branch, northwest Charlotte | February 8, 2026 | Woman deceased, man charged with murder. | Suspect apprehended, investigation ongoing. | Local-level |
| Homicide Investigation | 9700 block of Callabridge Court, North Division, Charlotte | Event: February 6, 2026 Charge: February 7, 2026 |
Victim: Ina Michelle Lang, 50. Suspect: Sam’on Andrew Smith, 22, charged with murder. | Suspect charged, investigation active and ongoing. | Local-level |
| Shooting with Critical Injury | North Tryon Street near Atando Avenue, northeast Charlotte | February 9, 2026 | One person hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. | Investigation ongoing. | Local-level |
| Officer-Involved Shooting | El Paso Mexican Restaurant / near church, Hickory | February 8, 2026 | Suspect Robert Mitchell Lester, 35, allegedly armed with knife, shot by officers. K-9 stabbed. | North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conducting State-level investigation. Two officers on administrative leave. | State-level (investigation) / Local-level (event) |
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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.
