Charlotte, October 27, 2025
News Summary
A violent crime spree in Charlotte has led to the tragic deaths of two men, Shabazz Mesiah Grant and Justin Westbrooks Carlton. The suspect, Joseph Andrade, was involved in a home invasion and kidnapping, resulting in a police chase where he engaged officers in gunfire before being shot and killed by the police. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities calling for public assistance.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Violent Crime Spree Claims Two Lives
A violent crime spree in Charlotte has resulted in the deaths of two victims and the shooting of a suspect by police. Shabazz Mesiah Grant, 34, died at a local hospital from injuries sustained during the crime spree, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).
The incident began on Thursday around 4 p.m. with reports of shots fired on North Hoskins Road near Brookshire Boulevard. Police discovered two victims, Grant and Justin Westbrooks Carlton, 38, who was pronounced dead at the hospital the same day.
Shortly after the initial shooting, police responded to a home invasion and kidnapping where the suspect, Joseph Andrade, 28, forcibly took a woman. Andrade fled in the victim’s vehicle, leading to a police chase.
During the pursuit, Andrade fired shots at officers, hitting several police cars. The chase ended at the intersection of Freedom Drive and Morehead Street, where Andrade crashed and fled on foot. He continued to fire at police before being shot and killed by multiple officers, who recovered a firearm at the scene.
The kidnapped woman escaped the vehicle after the crash and was later found safe, cooperating with investigators. Following the incidents, four officers were transported to a hospital for precautionary evaluations and received mental health support.
Andrade is identified as the sole suspect in both crime scenes, and authorities are investigating the motive behind the crimes. Police have not yet determined whether the home invasion was random violence or if Andrade knew the victims.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is handling the officer-involved shooting investigation, while CMPD is looking into the homicides and related assaults. The investigation continues, and the public is encouraged to provide any information related to the incidents by contacting CMPD or Crime Stoppers.
Key Details of the Incident
- Victims: Shabazz Mesiah Grant (34) and Justin Westbrooks Carlton (38)
- Suspect: Joseph Andrade (28)
- Initial Shooting: Occurred on North Hoskins Road
- Response: Police responded to a home invasion and kidnapping shortly after
- Police Chase: Andrade fled, fired shots at officers
- Outcome: Andrade was shot and killed by police, two victims deceased
- Ongoing Investigation: By CMPD and NC State Bureau of Investigation
FAQ
What happened during the Charlotte crime spree?
A violent crime spree in Charlotte has resulted in the deaths of two victims and the shooting of a suspect by police.
Who were the victims?
The victims were Shabazz Mesiah Grant, aged 34, and Justin Westbrooks Carlton, aged 38.
Who was the suspect involved in the incidents?
The suspect, Joseph Andrade, aged 28, was involved in a home invasion, kidnapping, and subsequent police chase.
What actions did the suspect take during the police chase?
During the pursuit, Andrade fired shots at officers, hitting several police cars.
What was the outcome of the police response to Andrade?
Andrade fled on foot after crashing his vehicle and continued to fire at police before being shot and killed by multiple officers.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is handling the officer-involved shooting investigation, while CMPD is looking into the homicides and related assaults.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Location | North Hoskins Road and Freedom Drive, Charlotte |
| Victim #1 | Shabazz Mesiah Grant, 34 |
| Victim #2 | Justin Westbrooks Carlton, 38 |
| Suspect Name | Joseph Andrade, 28 |
| Incident Type | Shooting, Home Invasion, Kidnapping |
| Police Response | Chase, Exchange of Gunfire, Officer-Involved Shooting |
| Investigation Bodies | North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, CMPD |
| Status of Kidnapped Woman | Found safe, cooperating with investigators |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Death Investigation Launched in East Charlotte
Charlotte Crime Spree Ends in Police Shooting
Charlotte Police Investigate Homicide in East Charlotte
Violent Crime Spree in Charlotte Leads to Deaths and Shootout
Charlotte Family Mourns Loss in Random Act of Violence
Four Men Charged with Murder of 4-Year-Old in Charlotte
Four Arrested in Murder of 4-Year-Old Jayce Edwards
Charlotte Man Sentenced for Firearm Heist
Multiple Shootings in Charlotte Leave One Dead, Several Injured
Additional Resources
- WSOC TV: Violent Crime Spree in Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Violent Crime
- WBTV: Violent Weekend in Charlotte
- Google Search: Charlotte Crime Statistics
- WCNC: Second Victim Dies from Charlotte Shooting
- Google Scholar: Crime Sprees in Charlotte
- Police1: Cycle of Catch and Release
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WSOC TV: Officer Involved Shooting
- Google News: Charlotte Violent Crime
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.
