Mooresville, December 17, 2025
On December 12, a gang-related shooting occurred in Mooresville, leading to 19 spent cartridge casings found at the Meadowlark Glen apartment complex. Mooresville Police Chief Ron Campurciani expressed deep concern over the handling of a detained juvenile suspect by the state’s justice system. While no injuries were reported, the incident has raised significant safety concerns within the community, highlighting ongoing issues with gang activity and the juvenile justice system’s responses.
Mooresville – A recent gang-related shooting in the Lake Norman area town of Mooresville on Friday, December 12, 2025, resulted in the discovery of 19 spent cartridge casings on the grounds of the Meadowlark Glen apartment complex. Mooresville Police Chief Ron Campurciani addressed the incident in a press conference held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, providing updated details on the ongoing investigation and expressing significant concerns regarding the handling of a detained juvenile suspect by the state’s justice system. No injuries were reported as a direct result of the gunfire, despite the presence of a woman and her child in the parking lot during the event.
Details of the Incident and Police Response
The Mooresville Police Department received seven phone calls around 9:04 p.m. on Friday, December 12, reporting gunfire in the vicinity of Lark Glen Drive and Selma Drive within the Meadowlark Glen apartment complex. Upon arrival, officers found multiple shell casings, initiating an immediate investigation. Detectives later determined that two males were ambushed while walking up Lark Glen Drive towards Selma Drive, when they were fired upon by two subjects who had been lying in wait by another apartment building. While the two males who were shot at initially claimed they did not return fire and fled the scene, surveillance footage contradicted their statements, showing one of the retreating individuals firing a weapon as he ran back to an apartment on Lark Glen Drive.
Evidence Collected and Suspect Detention
The investigation led to the recovery of 19 cartridge shells from the public housing complex grounds, underscoring the intensity of the exchange of gunfire. Law enforcement subsequently detained a teen who was identified as one of the individuals who returned fire during the incident. Further searches conducted at the detained teen’s home uncovered three firearms. Among these weapons, one was confirmed to be stolen, and another possessed an altered serial number, indicating illicit origins or attempts to obscure its history. Due to the teen’s age, state regulations prohibit his legal possession of a firearm.
Chief’s Frustration with Juvenile Justice System
During his press conference on Tuesday, Chief Campurciani voiced profound dissatisfaction with the state’s juvenile justice system. He revealed that despite the serious nature of the gang-related shooting and the discovery of illegal firearms, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention division opted not to incarcerate the detained teen. This decision was reportedly made because the incident did not meet the state’s specific criteria for incarceration while the teen awaits juvenile court proceedings. Chief Campurciani expressed dismay at this outcome, suggesting a perceived gap in the system’s ability to hold individuals accountable in such circumstances and ensure public safety.
Community Impact and Resident Perspectives
The shooting has resonated within the Mooresville community, particularly among residents of the Meadowlark Glen apartments. Patricia Turek, a resident of the complex, recounted hearing gunshots outside her home on two separate nights over the weekend preceding the chief’s announcement. After the second night of gunfire, she promptly called 911, and upon looking outside, observed police already present. Ms. Turek emphasized her desire for peace in her neighborhood, stating, “I don’t want gunfire,” and commended the police for their positive presence and responsiveness in the area. The fact that a woman and her child were in the parking lot during the incident further highlights the potential danger posed to innocent bystanders.
Ongoing Investigation and Commitment to Safety
The Mooresville Police Department’s investigation into the gang-related shooting remains active and ongoing. Authorities are working to identify and apprehend the two subjects initially responsible for ambushing the males. The incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing gang activity and ensuring the safety of communities. Chief Campurciani’s comments reflect the broader commitment of police departments to maintain order and protect residents, even as they navigate complex legal frameworks, particularly those involving juvenile offenders and firearms violations. The recovery of multiple shell casings and illegal weapons further emphasizes the serious nature of such confrontations in residential areas. The police continue to encourage anyone with additional information related to the shooting to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in Mooresville on December 12, 2025?
What happened in Mooresville on December 12, 2025?
A gang-related shooting occurred in the Lake Norman area town of Mooresville on Friday, December 12, 2025, resulting in the discovery of 19 spent cartridge casings.
Was anyone injured in the Mooresville shooting?
Was anyone injured in the Mooresville shooting?
No injuries were reported as a direct result of the gunfire.
What evidence was found at the scene?
What evidence was found at the scene?
Police found 19 cartridge shells on the public housing complex grounds.
What did police find at the detained teen’s home?
What did police find at the detained teen’s home?
Officers found three firearms in the teen’s home, including one confirmed stolen and another with an altered serial number.
Why was the Mooresville Police Chief concerned about the detained teen?
Why was the Mooresville Police Chief concerned about the detained teen?
Mooresville Police Chief Ron Campurciani expressed dismay that the N.C. Department of Public Safety’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention division did not incarcerate the teen while he awaits juvenile court proceedings, as the incident reportedly didn’t meet its criteria for incarceration.
When did the police receive calls about the gunfire?
When did the police receive calls about the gunfire?
Police received seven phone calls around 9:04 p.m. Friday, December 12, about gunfire in the area of Lark Glen Drive.
Key Features of the Mooresville Shooting Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Friday, December 12, 2025 |
| Location | Meadowlark Glen apartment complex, Mooresville (Lake Norman area), near Lark Glen Drive and Selma Drive |
| Nature of Incident | Gang-related shooting |
| Cartridges Found | 19 spent cartridge shells |
| Injuries | No injuries reported |
| Individuals Involved | Two males ambushed by two subjects, one of the ambushed males returned fire |
| Detained Suspect | A teen who returned fire |
| Firearms Recovered | Three firearms from teen’s home (one stolen, one with altered serial number) |
| Police Chief | Ron Campurciani, Mooresville Police Chief |
| Chief’s Concern | Lack of incarceration for detained teen by N.C. Department of Public Safety’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention division |
| Community Calls | Seven 911 calls received about gunfire |
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