Charlotte Sees Surge in Public Safety Incidents

Charlotte, NC, December 18, 2025

In a tumultuous 48 hours, the Charlotte metropolitan area has witnessed a series of alarming public safety events. This includes a homicide investigation following a fatal shooting, the unexplained death of a juvenile, a significant apartment fire, and a manhunt for a wanted suspect. Additionally, ongoing protests regarding airport pay and expenses have emerged, reflecting community concerns about various issues affecting residents. The incidents have heightened awareness around public safety and community welfare.

Charlotte, North Carolina – The Charlotte metropolitan area and surrounding regions have experienced a busy 48 hours, marked by significant public safety incidents, ongoing legal proceedings, and community action. Recent events include a fatal shooting under investigation, the death of a juvenile, an apartment building fire, a manhunt for a wanted individual, and protests addressing airport concerns and federal agency practices.

Public Safety Incidents Under Active Investigation

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is actively investigating a homicide in north Charlotte following a fatal shooting on Wednesday. Officers responded to the 9100 block of Trinity Road, where they discovered a victim with an apparent gunshot wound who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives have initiated an investigation into the circumstances of this death. The area around Trinity Road is reportedly known for community gatherings, making the violence particularly distressing for local residents.

In a separate and equally concerning development, CMPD’s Homicide Unit is also investigating the death of a juvenile in east Charlotte. On Tuesday morning, officers responded to an assistance call in the 7600 block of Gwynne Hill Road, where a juvenile patient was found unresponsive. The patient was transported to a local hospital but was later pronounced deceased. The investigation into the juvenile’s death remains active and ongoing, with authorities not yet labeling it a homicide.

Further contributing to regional public safety concerns, the York County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina has issued a public appeal for assistance in locating William Ray Schiavone, a 38-year-old man wanted on multiple serious charges. Schiavone is sought for identity fraud, grand larceny, driving under suspension, failure to appear in court, operating a stolen vehicle, and failure to stop for blue lights. He was last known to be in the Rock Hill area.

In Rock Hill, South Carolina, a judge recently advanced a case against Jocelyn Newman, 20, who faces charges of attempted murder and unlawful conduct toward a child. This stems from an incident in November where Newman allegedly took an abortion pill and subsequently failed to provide aid to her prematurely born daughter, who remains in critical condition in a hospital. Newman’s defense argues that South Carolina law provides immunity for mothers regarding abortion.

Emergency Response and Regional Law Enforcement Activity

Charlotte Fire crews swiftly responded to a two-alarm apartment fire in east Charlotte early Thursday morning on Farm Pond Lane at the Summit Ridge Apartments. Sixty firefighters brought the blaze under control within 39 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has left residents displaced just a week before Christmas. The cause of the fire and the full extent of damage to residents’ homes are currently under investigation.

A significant law enforcement operation unfolded in Charlotte’s Windsor Park neighborhood on Wednesday morning, where CMPD officers, utilizing military-style gear and vehicles, arrested a man. Authorities advised neighbors to shelter in place during the incident, but details regarding the man’s identity or the specific charges he faces have not been released. In another incident on Wednesday, a shooting on Lawyers Road in east Charlotte left one person with life-threatening injuries. Police have not yet provided further information or indicated any arrests in connection with this shooting.

In a major drug interdiction, deputies near Kings Mountain conducted a traffic stop that led to the discovery of approximately 138 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $3 million. The stop was initiated due to a partially concealed license plate on a 2024 Omada sedan. The 38-year-old Mexican national driver was arrested and charged with two counts of trafficking methamphetamine, with his bond set at $1 million.

Community Concerns and Legal Developments

Airport workers and community advocates are planning a rally at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Thursday, December 18, to protest over pay issues and high airfares. A recent analysis indicates that passengers flying nonstop out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport pay more than travelers at any other major airport nationwide. The report, compiled by Charlotte airport workers and 32BJ SEIU, highlights that over the past decade, Charlotte Douglas has had the most expensive nonstop domestic fares among the nation’s 50 largest airports. Workers contend that despite record traffic and airline profits, gains are not reaching those who maintain airport operations, citing low wages, limited benefits, staffing shortages, and safety concerns among contracted personnel.

Furthermore, legal action is being pursued by protesters who have asked a judge to prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from deleting messages related to the arrests of two individuals during an operation in Charlotte on November 16. The operation, named “Charlotte’s Web,” involved federal agents arresting Hispanic individuals in public areas across Charlotte. While a judge declined to rule on preserving the text messages on Wednesday, unsecured bonds were granted to the two protesters.

In South Carolina, a federal grand jury has indicted Jonathan Andrew Felkel, 34, on hate crime and firearm charges. This indictment stems from an incident in July where Felkel allegedly fired a gun and shouted a racial slur at his Black neighbor within their gated community. If convicted, Felkel faces significant prison time for both charges. This case highlights ongoing concerns about civil rights and racial targeting (State-level for SC, but federal charges).

Also in South Carolina, a correctional officer and a Sumter woman have been arrested and charged in connection with a contraband trade operation at Lieber Correctional Institution in Dorchester County. The South Carolina Department of Corrections released warrants for Kyle Daniel Quinn, 28, and Jamie Ingrid Brooks, 38, following an investigation that indicated their involvement with an inmate to smuggle contraband into the prison between January and March 2025. Quinn, who was fired from his position, reportedly received cash payments.

On a broader state level in South Carolina, emergency medical services (EMS) agencies statewide are facing staffing shortages, making it difficult to recruit and retain paramedics and EMTs amidst increasing competition for qualified candidates. Lexington County, for instance, currently has 24 open positions and is exploring strategies like using non-ambulance quick response vehicles to manage its fleet and response times.

FAQ Section

What is the most recent major public safety incident in Charlotte?

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is actively investigating a homicide in north Charlotte following a fatal shooting on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in the 9100 block of Trinity Road, where a victim with an apparent gunshot wound was pronounced deceased at the scene.

What are the details of the wanted man in York County, SC?

The York County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance in locating William Ray Schiavone, 38, who is wanted on multiple charges including identity fraud, grand larceny, driving under suspension, failure to appear in court, operating a stolen vehicle, and failure to stop for blue lights. He was last known to be in the Rock Hill area.

What is happening at Charlotte Douglas International Airport?

Airport workers and community advocates are planning a rally at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Thursday, December 18, 2025, to protest over pay issues and high airfares, as a new analysis suggests Charlotte has the most expensive nonstop domestic fares among the nation’s 50 largest airports.

What happened regarding the apartment fire in east Charlotte?

Charlotte Fire crews tackled a two-alarm apartment fire in east Charlotte on Farm Pond Lane early Thursday morning, December 18, 2025, at the Summit Ridge Apartments, which was brought under control by 60 firefighters in 39 minutes, with no injuries reported but residents displaced.

What is the status of the investigation into the juvenile’s death in Charlotte?

CMPD’s Homicide Unit is investigating the death of a juvenile in the 7600 block of Gwynne Hill Road in east Charlotte, who was found unresponsive on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and later pronounced deceased at a local hospital. The investigation is active and ongoing.

What charges does Jocelyn Newman face in Rock Hill, SC?

Jocelyn Newman, 20, faces charges of attempted murder and unlawful conduct toward a child in Rock Hill, South Carolina, after allegedly taking an abortion pill in November and failing to help her prematurely born daughter, who remains in critical condition.

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Author: HERE Charlotte

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