Charlotte, NC, October 25, 2025
News Summary
A chaotic incident in Charlotte resulted in a fatal shooting and a police shootout. The suspect kidnapped a woman and engaged in a pursuit with officers, which led to his death. One victim died at the hospital while another remains critically injured. Police Chief praised the officers’ rapid response amid ongoing investigations into the events.
Charlotte, North Carolina—A violent series of incidents unfolded on Thursday afternoon that resulted in the death of a suspect following a fatal shooting, a kidnapping, and a shootout with police. The chaos began around 4 p.m. when reports of an assault and shooting arose at the intersection of Hoskins Road and Black Avenue.
Upon arrival, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police (CMPD) found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim, identified as 38-year-old Justin Westbrook Carlton, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The second victim remains in critical condition.
The suspect, 28-year-old Joseph Andrade, allegedly forced his way into a nearby home, where he kidnapped a woman before stealing her vehicle. Following the theft, CMPD located the stolen car and initiated a pursuit.
During the chase, Andrade fired at the police officers, hitting several CMPD vehicles. The pursuit ended dramatically when Andrade crashed the vehicle at the intersection of Freedom Drive and West Morehead Street, approximately four miles from the original shooting site. Upon crashing, Andrade exited the vehicle and continued to shoot at officers. Notably, during the chaos, the female kidnapping victim escaped the vehicle unharmed.
As Andrade pointed his firearm at the pursuing officers, they returned fire, resulting in his death at the scene. Four police officers were taken to the hospital for precautionary evaluations, but none sustained serious injuries. CMPD confirmed that a firearm was recovered at the site of the shootout.
In the aftermath, CMPD Police Chief Johnny Jennings stated that the rapid response of the officers saved lives, despite the tragic loss of Carlton. An investigation into the initial shooting, kidnapping, and car theft is ongoing, with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation assessing the police’s use of deadly force.
Chief Jennings praised the bravery of the officers involved and acknowledged the critical need for mental and physical assessments after such traumatic events.
Key Details
- Initial shooting occurred at around 4 p.m. at the intersection of Hoskins Road and Black Avenue.
- Victim Justin Westbrook Carlton, aged 38, died at the hospital; second victim in critical condition.
- Suspect Joseph Andrade, 28, intervened in a home invasion and kidnapped a woman.
- Andrade stole the woman’s vehicle; police pursuit ensued.
- Andrade fired at officers during the chase; multiple CMPD vehicles were struck.
- Crashes occurred at Freedom Drive and West Morehead Street; Andrade exited vehicle continuing to fire.
- Female victim escaped during the crash without harm.
- Andrade was killed when officers returned fire; four officers underwent precautionary evaluations.
- Ongoing investigation by CMPD and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Background Context
This tragic incident escalates awareness around violent crimes in urban settings, highlighting the dangers faced by both victims and law enforcement. The investigation aims to provide clarity around the events leading to the fatal shooting and the responses by the police.
FAQ
- What time did the incidents occur?
- The incidents began around 4 p.m.
- Where did the shooting take place?
- At the intersection of Hoskins Road and Black Avenue.
- How many victims were there?
- There were two victims; one deceased and one in critical condition.
- Who was the suspect?
- The suspect was identified as 28-year-old Joseph Andrade.
- What happened to Andrade?
- Andrade was killed at the scene after a shootout with police.
- What injuries did the police officers sustain?
- Four officers were taken to the hospital for precautionary evaluations, but none sustained serious injuries.
- What is being investigated?
- The investigation includes the initial shooting, kidnapping, and car theft, with a review of the police’s use of deadly force.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Time of Incident | 4 p.m. on Thursday |
| Location of Shooting | Intersection of Hoskins Road and Black Avenue |
| Victim Count | Two (one deceased, one critical) |
| Suspect Information | Joseph Andrade, 28 years old |
| Outcome for Suspect | Killed during shootout with police |
| Police Injuries | Four officers evaluated, no serious injuries |
| Ongoing Investigation | Involves initial events and police response |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV News
- Wikipedia: Police Shooting
- WCNC News
- Google Search: Charlotte shooting October 2025
- WSOC TV News
- Google Scholar: Charlotte police shooting
- WBTV News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Shooting
- Spectrum News
- Google News: Charlotte incident October 2025
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.
