Charlotte, North Carolina, August 13, 2025
News Summary
A woman was arrested after firing warning shots at a back-to-school health fair in Charlotte, North Carolina, sending over 100 attendees into a panic. The incident, which didn’t result in injuries, was triggered by an argument involving her son. Authorities responded promptly, recovering the firearm and detaining the suspect. Community leaders expressed disappointment over the violence but emphasized the event’s success in providing healthcare services to families, as the fair also celebrated the health center’s anniversaries. Increased security measures may be needed for future events.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A woman has been arrested after firing warning shots during a back-to-school health fair on Saturday afternoon. The incident unfolded toward the conclusion of the 11th annual Back to School Community Health Fair at the C.W. Williams Community Health Center located on Wilkinson Boulevard.
As the event neared its end, witnesses reported hearing gunfire, sending over 100 attendees scrambling in a panic. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to the scene but confirmed that no injuries resulted from the incident. Medical personnel were not deployed, as the situation was contained without medical emergencies.
The woman arrested in connection with the shooting has been identified as Cherez Davis, a 34-year-old local resident. She faces charges of “going armed to the terror of people” and carrying a concealed weapon, both classified as misdemeanors. Court documents reveal that Davis fired two warning shots into the air during a confrontation involving her son and another boy at the event.
According to eyewitness accounts, an argument escalated between Davis and another adult, leading her to retrieve a firearm from her backpack and discharge it. Law enforcement officials later recovered the weapon as evidence. Davis is currently being held on a bond set at $250,000.
In the wake of the incident, U.S. Rep. Alma Adams expressed relief that no one was harmed, praising the CMPD for their prompt response. Additionally, Debra Weeks, CEO of the C.W. Williams Community Health Center, voiced disappointment over the violence but emphasized the event’s overall success in connecting community members with necessary healthcare services and school supplies as students prepare for the upcoming academic year.
The health fair served a dual purpose in its celebration of the 60th anniversary of community health centers and the 45th anniversary of the C.W. Williams Community Health Center. Center officials reiterated that the shooting was an isolated event that did not overshadow the positive outcomes achieved during the fair.
The incident has raised questions about safety at community events, underscoring the importance of securing such gatherings to prevent escalations of violence. The C.W. Williams Community Health Fair had aimed to provide vital resources to families while celebrating community health initiatives.
Background Context
The Back to School Community Health Fair is an annual event designed to offer healthcare services and school supplies to families in the Charlotte area. This year marked its 11th occurrence at the C.W. Williams Community Health Center, which has been a pivotal marker of community support and healthcare advocacy. Despite the unfortunate incident, officials assured that the fair’s intent of fostering health awareness and community solidarity remained intact.
FAQ Section
What prompted the shooting at the health fair?
Cherez Davis fired warning shots in response to a fight involving her son and another boy, after an argument escalated between Davis and another adult.
Were there any injuries reported from the incident?
No injuries were reported, and no medical personnel were dispatched to the scene.
What charges is Cherez Davis facing?
Cherez Davis has been charged with “going armed to the terror of people” and carrying a concealed weapon, both of which are misdemeanors.
What was the purpose of the Back to School Community Health Fair?
The health fair aimed to connect the community with healthcare services and provide school supplies to families ahead of the school year.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Saturday afternoon |
| Charges | Going armed to the terror of people, carrying a concealed weapon |
| No Injuries | No one was harmed during the incident |
| Response | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on scene |
| Outcome | Cherez Davis arrested and held on $250,000 bond |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Gunfire Erupts at Charlotte Back-to-School Event
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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
Additional Resources
- WCNC News
- Wikipedia: Community Health Center
- WSOC TV
- Google Search: Back to School Events in Charlotte
- WBTV News
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence at Community Events
- Charlotte Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting Incidents in Community Events
- WBTV News Alternate Link
- Google News: Charlotte Health Fair Shooting
Author: HERE Charlotte
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