Charlotte, N.C., August 13, 2025
News Summary
A 34-year-old mother, Cherez Davis, was arrested after discharging a firearm during a back-to-school health fair in Charlotte. The incident escalated when Davis fired two shots to break up a fight involving her son, causing panic among over 100 attendees. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but the event’s safety has since been called into question. Davis faces charges including going armed to the terror of the people and was released on a $50,000 bond.
Charlotte, N.C. — A 34-year-old mother, Cherez Davis, was arrested after firing a handgun during a back-to-school event on Saturday, August 9. The incident occurred around 1:10 p.m. at the 11th annual Back to School Health Fair hosted at the C.W. Williams Community Health Center, which was attended by over 100 individuals.
According to reports, the situation escalated when Davis fired two rounds into the air to disperse a heated argument involving her son. Witnesses indicated that the confrontation intensified after an adult attempted to intervene, prompting Davis to retrieve her firearm, a Taurus G6 pistol, from her backpack. After firing the weapon, she returned it to her backpack and walked away from the scene.
In the immediate aftermath of the gunfire, panic ensued as attendees scattered in various directions. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but the commotion caused significant confusion among participants. Several individuals fled onto a nearby roadway, heightening concerns about safety during the event.
Witnesses described Davis’s appearance, stating she was dressed in braids, a black shirt, jeans, and Crocs. Law enforcement officers quickly responded to the incident based on witness descriptions and detained Davis. The pistol used in the shooting was recovered by authorities as evidence.
Davis now faces serious charges, including going armed to the terror of the people and carrying a concealed firearm. Following her arrest, she was released from jail after posting a $50,000 bond.
The CEO of C.W. Williams, Debra Weeks, expressed her disappointment over the violence, noting that the event was otherwise successful and provided valuable services such as healthcare, school supplies, and food to thousands of families in the community. She emphasized the importance of community safety, asserting that violent behavior is intolerable at future events.
The back-to-school event had been celebrated as the clinic’s most successful in recent years, drawing significant support from the community before the shooting occurred towards the event’s conclusion. In light of the disturbance, U.S. Rep. Alma Adams conveyed appreciation that no one was harmed and commended law enforcement for their prompt response. However, the absence of police presence prior to the shooting has raised concerns about the security measures at community events.
This incident highlights the ongoing issues related to gun violence and safety in public spaces, particularly at events aimed at supporting families and community well-being.
FAQ
What happened at the back-to-school event in Charlotte?
A mother named Cherez Davis fired two shots with her handgun to break up a fight involving her son during a back-to-school health fair, causing panic among attendees.
Was anyone injured in the incident?
No injuries were reported following the shooting, although attendees experienced panic and confusion.
What charges is Cherez Davis facing?
Cherez Davis has been charged with going armed to the terror of the people and carrying a concealed firearm.
What was the purpose of the back-to-school event?
The event aimed to provide healthcare services, school supplies, and food to thousands of families.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Charlotte, N.C. |
| Date | August 9, 2023 |
| Involved Individual | Cherez Davis (34 years old) |
| Charges | Going armed to the terror of the people, carrying a concealed firearm |
| Bail Amount | $50,000 |
| Attendees at Event | Over 100 |
| Safety Outcome | No injuries reported |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mother Arrested After Gunfire Erupts at Health Fair
No Charges for Officers in Charlotte Police Shooting
Weekend Violence Raises Safety Concerns in Charlotte
Comedian Mario Bradley Injured in Charlotte Shooting
Gunfire Erupts at Charlotte Back-to-School Event
Shooting Incident Leaves Rapper Mario Bradley Hospitalized in Charlotte
Shooting Incident Disrupts Back-to-School Fair in Charlotte
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Host Back-to-School Events
Gunshots Disrupt Charlotte Health Fair, No Injuries Reported
Late-Night Shooting Leaves One Injured in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- WBTV: Mother Arrested After Firing Shots at Charlotte Back-to-School Event
- WSOC TV: Shooting at Back-to-School Event in West Charlotte
- WCNC: Charlotte Violent Weekend
- Charlotte Observer: Crime News in Charlotte
- ABC 11: Shooting in Charlotte Involving Comedian
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Gun Violence Statistics
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence in Public Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google News: Gun Violence at Community Events
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.
