Charlotte, NC, October 25, 2025
News Summary
In northwest Charlotte, a violent shooting led to the death of a suspect after a dramatic high-speed chase. The incident unfolded with the suspect kidnapping a woman and fleeing from police, resulting in a confrontational end. The police are investigating the situation while the community is urged to provide information.
Charlotte witnessed a dramatic series of events on Thursday, October 23, resulting in the death of a suspect following a violent shooting and kidnapping incident. The situation unfolded around 4 p.m. in northwest Charlotte, where police were initially called to the scene of a shooting near the intersection of Hoskins Road and Black Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals who had been shot, one of whom was identified as 38-year-old Justin Westbrook Carlton, who later succumbed to his injuries. The condition of the second victim remains critical. Concurrently, officers received reports of a home invasion and kidnapping in the same vicinity. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Joseph Andrade, forcibly entered a home, kidnapped a woman, and stole her car.
The police quickly located Andrade’s vehicle and initiated a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, Andrade fired at police, hitting several police cars. The chase continued for about four miles and concluded at the intersection of Freedom Drive and West Morehead Street, where Andrade crashed the stolen vehicle. Immediately following the crash, Andrade fled on foot, continuing to fire at the pursuing officers.
Remarkably, the female kidnapping victim managed to escape from the vehicle after the crash. However, Andrade pointed his firearm at the officers, which prompted them to return fire, ultimately striking him and resulting in his death at the scene. Fortunately, four officers were taken to the hospital as a precaution due to the traumatic nature of the encounter, but reports indicate that none suffered any injuries.
Authorities recovered a firearm at the scene, and Chief Johnny Jennings remarked that the swift actions of the police saved lives, despite the tragic outcome of the scenario. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is currently investigating the shooting and associated incidents, while the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the officers’ use of deadly force in this case. As per standard protocol following officer-involved shootings, the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave.
As of now, the motive behind the initial shooting and any potential connections between Andrade and the victims remain under investigation. The CMPD has encouraged anyone with information or video footage related to the incidents to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.
Summary of Events
- Incident Occurred: Thursday, October 23, around 4 p.m.
- Location: Northwest Charlotte, intersection of Hoskins Road and Black Avenue
- Fatalities: Justin Westbrook Carlton (age 38) deceased; another victim in critical condition
- Suspect: Joseph Andrade (age 28), who kidnapped a woman and stole her car
- Chase Duration: Approximately four miles
- Outcome: Andrade shot and killed, four officers checked for trauma but unharmed
- Ongoing Investigation: CMPD and SBI involved; officers on administrative leave
Additional Information
Due to the gravity of the situation and the community’s interest, the CMPD is actively seeking further information to piece together the events that led to these tragic outcomes.
FAQ Section
What happened in Charlotte on October 23?
A dramatic incident involving a shooting and kidnapping occurred in northwest Charlotte, resulting in the death of a suspect following a police chase.
Who were the victims and suspect involved?
The victims included 38-year-old Justin Westbrook Carlton, who died from his injuries, and another individual who remains in critical condition. The suspect was identified as 28-year-old Joseph Andrade.
What actions did the police take during the incident?
Police responded to the shooting, initiated a chase after locating the suspect’s vehicle, and returned fire when Andrade pointed a firearm at them, leading to his death.
Is there an ongoing investigation following the incident?
Yes, the CMPD is investigating the shooting and related incidents, while the SBI is reviewing officers’ use of deadly force.
What should anyone with information do?
The CMPD encourages anyone with information or footage related to the incidents to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Shooting and Kidnapping |
| Date | October 23 |
| Primary Location | Northwest Charlotte |
| Victim Information | Justin Westbrook Carlton (deceased), another victim in critical condition |
| Suspect | Joseph Andrade |
| Police Action | Chase and return fire |
| Investigation Oversight | CMPD and SBI |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Wikipedia: Charlotte
- WSOC TV
- Google Search: Charlotte news
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Scholar: Charlotte shooting
- ABC11
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- QC News
- Google News: Northwest Charlotte shooting
Author: HERE Charlotte
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