Charlotte, December 17, 2025
A 20-year-old man named Rylee Koenders was arrested following a shooting incident at Club Onyx in South Charlotte. Koenders allegedly brandished a rifle and engaged in a gunfight with a security guard, injuring an innocent bystander. This event has raised serious safety concerns regarding the nightclub, which has a history of violent incidents. Authorities are investigating the incident, and Koenders faces multiple assault charges.
Charlotte Man Arrested Following Shooting at South Charlotte Nightclub
Charlotte, North Carolina – A 20-year-old man was taken into custody earlier this week in connection with a shooting incident that occurred at a south Charlotte nightclub over the weekend. Rylee Koenders faces multiple charges after allegedly brandishing a rifle at a security guard at Club Onyx, leading to an exchange of gunfire that resulted in an innocent individual being wounded. The incident, which took place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, underscores ongoing concerns regarding safety at the establishment.
Arrest and Charges
Authorities confirmed the arrest of Rylee Koenders, who is now facing two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. The charges stem from the violent encounter at Club Onyx, located on Old Pineville Road. Following his arrest, Koenders was held on a $500,000 bond. The swift action by law enforcement has brought a suspect into custody for an event that caused alarm in the community.
Details of the Incident
The confrontation unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning, around 5 a.m., as Club Onyx was closing and security personnel were clearing the premises. Court documents detail that Koenders reportedly refused to leave the nightclub. Following this refusal, he allegedly retrieved a 9mm assault rifle from his vehicle. He then pointed this weapon at a security guard, escalating the situation dramatically.
In response to the perceived threat, the security guard discharged their firearm. While aiming at Koenders, the shot unfortunately struck another individual who was accompanying Koenders. This person, identified as Koenders’ friend, sustained injuries but is reported to be in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.
Police officials have indicated that the security guard’s actions were in self-defense, given the circumstances of Koenders allegedly pointing a rifle. The incident prompted a rapid response from emergency services and law enforcement, securing the scene and initiating an investigation that quickly led to Koenders’ arrest.
Club Onyx’s History of Incidents
The recent shooting is not an isolated event for Club Onyx, an establishment that has been the subject of numerous police calls and safety concerns over the years. Law enforcement records indicate a consistent pattern of incidents requiring police intervention at the Old Pineville Road location.
Most recently, a separate parking lot shooting occurred at Club Onyx in September 2025, highlighting ongoing issues related to violence at or near the venue. While specific details of that earlier incident were not immediately linked to the latest arrest, it forms part of a broader history of disturbances.
Further back, in November 2025, another incident involving a bouncer shooting occurred on Old Pineville Road, though at a different establishment (Gold Club), demonstrating a regional concern for nightclub safety. Historically, Club Onyx faced significant consequences for prior violent events. In 2014, for instance, state officials suspended the club’s alcohol license following a shooting that wounded two men. At that time, police had responded to 412 calls for service at Club Onyx within three years, including reports of armed robberies and aggravated assaults. A fatal shooting also occurred at the club in January 2008.
These incidents, spanning over a decade, illustrate a persistent challenge for both the club’s management and local law enforcement in maintaining public safety around the venue. The latest arrest aims to address the immediate threat posed by Sunday’s events while the community continues to grapple with the broader implications of such recurring violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened at Club Onyx in Charlotte?
- A shooting incident occurred at Club Onyx in south Charlotte on Sunday, December 14, 2025, after a 20-year-old man, Rylee Koenders, allegedly pointed a rifle at a security guard.
- Who was arrested in connection with the shooting?
- Rylee Koenders, aged 20, was arrested and is facing two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.
- Was anyone injured in the shooting?
- Yes, an individual who was with Rylee Koenders was accidentally hit by a shot fired by the security guard. This person sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.
- What was the security guard’s role in the incident?
- The security guard fired their weapon in what police have described as self-defense, after Rylee Koenders allegedly pointed a 9mm assault rifle at them.
- Does Club Onyx have a history of similar incidents?
- Yes, Club Onyx has a history of problems with police, including a parking lot shooting in September 2025. In 2014, its alcohol license was suspended following another shooting, and police had responded to hundreds of calls for service there over a three-year period.
Key Details of the Club Onyx Shooting
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Incident Location | Club Onyx, Old Pineville Road, South Charlotte | Local |
| Date of Incident | Sunday, December 14, 2025 | Local |
| Individual Arrested | Rylee Koenders (20 years old) | Local |
| Charges Faced | Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill | State-level |
| Bond Set | $500,000 | State-level |
| Weapon Involved | 9mm assault rifle | Local |
| Victim’s Condition | Non-life-threatening injuries; expected to recover | Local |
| Security Guard’s Action | Acted in self-defense | Local |
| Club’s History | Numerous police calls, including prior shootings (e.g., September 2025 parking lot shooting, 2014 license suspension) | Local |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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