Charlotte, North Carolina, October 27, 2025
News Summary
A violent crime spree in Charlotte has left two dead and involved a police-involved shooting. Shabazz Mesiah Grant and Justin Carlton were the victims, while suspect Joseph Andrade was shot by police after fleeing. The incident highlights ongoing issues with violent crime in the area as authorities continue to investigate the events surrounding the shootings and kidnapping.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A violent crime spree has resulted in two fatalities and a police-involved shooting in Charlotte. The latest victim, Shabazz Mesiah Grant, 34, succumbed to injuries sustained during a shooting on Thursday, Oct. 23. Another victim, Justin Carlton, 38, was pronounced dead at the scene on Hoskins Road during the same incident.
The events began around 4 p.m. when it was reported that a suspected shooter, identified as Joseph Andrade, 28, was involved in both the shooting and a subsequent kidnapping. Andrade is accused of breaking into a home, kidnapping a woman, stealing her car, and fleeing the scene.
Upon arrival, officers discovered both Grant and Carlton with gunshot wounds shortly after receiving the initial report regarding the shooting. Concurrently, police received a report of a home invasion and kidnapping from the same area, heightening their response to the developing situation.
Following the kidnapping incident, authorities initiated a pursuit of Andrade, during which he reportedly fired at officers, damaging multiple patrol cars. The pursuit ended at the intersection of Freedom Drive and West Morehead Street, situated approximately four miles from the original shooting location.
After crashing the vehicle, the kidnapped woman managed to escape unharmed. Andrade fled from the crash site on foot, continuing to shoot at police. In response, Charlotte-Mecklenburg officers returned fire, ultimately hitting and killing Andrade at the scene. A firearm was subsequently recovered from him during the investigation.
Fortunately, no officers sustained injuries during the incident, although four were transported to the hospital for precautionary evaluations and mental health support. The State Bureau of Investigation is currently leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Authorities are also actively investigating the shooting, homicide, and kidnapping incidents, with Detective Moore assuming the role of lead investigator for the homicide case. Efforts are underway to determine a motive behind Andrade’s actions, with no evidence suggesting he had any prior connection to the victims shot on Hoskins Road.
Police Chief Johnny Jennings commended the prompt actions of officers, asserting that their quick response likely prevented further loss of life during this critical situation. Officials encourage anyone with information regarding the incidents to reach out to the homicide unit or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Incident Summary
- Victims: Shabazz Mesiah Grant, 34; Justin Carlton, 38
- Suspect: Joseph Andrade, 28
- Location: Hoskins Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: October 23, 2023
- Notable Events: Shooting, Kidnapping, Police Chase, Suspect Killed
- Investigators: State Bureau of Investigation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the victims in the shooting incident?
The victims in the shooting incident were Shabazz Mesiah Grant, 34, and Justin Carlton, 38.
What actions did suspect Joseph Andrade take during the crime spree?
Joseph Andrade allegedly broke into a home, kidnapped a woman, stole her car, and fled the scene. He then fired at pursuing police officers during a chase.
What happened to the suspect?
After fleeing from a crash during a police chase, Joseph Andrade shot at the officers, who returned fire, hitting and killing him at the scene.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Victims | Shabazz Mesiah Grant, 34; Justin Carlton, 38 |
| Suspect | Joseph Andrade, 28 |
| Incident Type | Shooting and Kidnapping |
| Location | Hoskins Road, Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Date | October 23, 2023 |
| Police Involvement | Officer-involved shooting resulted in suspect’s death |
| Ongoing Investigation | Led by State Bureau of Investigation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Charlotte Police Investigate Homicide in East Charlotte
Violent Crime Spree in Charlotte Leads to Deaths and Shootout
Suspect Dies Following Violent Shooting and Kidnapping in Charlotte
Charlotte Family Mourns Loss in Random Act of Violence
Fatal Shooting and Kidnapping Incident in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Second Victim Dies from Charlotte Shooting, Kidnapping
- WBTV: Lives Were Saved by Police Who Killed Shooting, Kidnapping Suspect, Charlotte Chief Says
- ABC11: Man Shot Dead in Kidnapping, Police Say
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WBTV: Second Person Dies Following Northwest Charlotte Shooting, Kidnapping
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.
