Charlotte, NC, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Cheryl Harris Gates, a 43-year-old employee at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, has been arrested on multiple charges including attempted murder and stalking. The police investigation, incited by alarming allegations, confirmed that the incident occurred off school property and did not involve any students or staff members. Gates, a pediatric occupational therapist, holds advanced degrees in rehabilitation and occupational therapy. The case is currently under investigation, and authorities are seeking information from the community while emphasizing their commitment to student and staff safety.
Charlotte – A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools employee, 43-year-old Cheryl Harris Gates, was arrested on Friday, facing serious criminal charges including attempted murder, stalking, damage to property, and contaminating food or drink to incapacitate someone. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s domestic violence unit conducted the investigation that led to her arrest.
The charges against Gates are particularly alarming, but officials have confirmed that the incident which led to her arrest did not occur on school property and did not involve any students or staff members. This fact has been emphasized to reassure the community regarding the safety of students and school personnel.
Cheryl Harris Gates works as a pediatric occupational therapist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, a role in which she supports students facing sensory processing challenges, handwriting difficulties, and executive functioning disorders. Gates holds a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Studies and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, both earned from East Carolina University. The background of her professional qualifications raises questions as to how her actions contrast with her responsibilities as an educator and therapist.
The investigation into her actions is ongoing, and the police are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be directed to Detective Bumgarner at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department at (704) 336-2379, or submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. Authorities are particularly interested in gathering more information that may elucidate the circumstances surrounding the case.
In light of the serious nature of these allegations, resources for domestic violence support have been made available. Individuals seeking assistance can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or utilize text support by sending START to 88788.
This incident has elicited shock within the Charlotte community, given that schools are designed to be safe havens for children. The school district has committed to prioritizing safety for its students and staff members, as this situation unfolds.
As developments emerge, updates will be disseminated to keep the public informed about the case and any implications it may have for the school environment. Although Cheryl Harris Gates is currently facing serious allegations, it is essential to remember that an arrest is not an indication of guilt and the legal process must take its course.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was arrested in connection with this incident? Cheryl Harris Gates, a 43-year-old employee of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
- What charges does she face? Gates faces charges of attempted murder, stalking, damage to property, and contaminating food or drink to incapacitate someone.
- Did the incident occur on school property? No, the incident did not occur on school property and did not involve any students or staff members.
- What is Cheryl Harris Gates’ profession? She works as a pediatric occupational therapist focusing on students with sensory processing challenges, handwriting difficulties, and executive functioning disorders.
- What education does Cheryl Harris Gates have? Gates has a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Studies and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University.
- Who conducted the investigation into the matter? The investigation was conducted by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s domestic violence unit.
- How can tips related to the case be reported? Tips can be reported to Detective Bumgarner at (704) 336-2379 or shared anonymously with Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.
- Where can individuals find resources for domestic violence support? Individuals can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Cheryl Harris Gates, 43 years old |
| Charges | Attempted murder, stalking, damage to property, contaminating food or drink |
| Investigation Unit | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s domestic violence unit |
| Professional Role | Pediatric occupational therapist |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Studies, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy |
| Tip Submission Contact | Detective Bumgarner at (704) 336-2379 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 |
| Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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