Gunfire Hits School Bus in Charlotte, Injures Students
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two students from Albemarle Middle School were injured from shattered glass when gunfire struck their school bus in east Charlotte on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. at the intersection of Idlewild Road and W.T. Harris Boulevard.
Details of the Incident
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) revealed that the bus was unintentionally caught in the crossfire of a dispute involving individuals linked to drug-related activities. Initial investigations suggest that the bus was not the intended target of the gunfire.
According to the CMPD, two students were reported hurt due to the shattered glass from the bus windows, although a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools spokesperson later stated that only one student was injured. MEDIC was on the scene to provide treatment to the affected students.
Arrest in Connection to Shooting
Following the incident, officers arrested Lamarius Ramel Anthony, 21, who was seen leaving the area shortly after the gunfire erupted. Anthony faces charges including felony possession of cocaine and carrying a concealed weapon, and he is currently being held on a $9,000 bond.
Involvement of a Stolen Vehicle
Reports indicate that an Infiniti vehicle involved in the shooting was stolen just a few days prior. The vehicle’s owner expressed heartbreak over her car’s involvement in such a serious crime, having reported the theft on Friday.
Response from School Officials
In light of the incident, Albemarle Road Middle School Principal Perry sent a message to families, emphasizing the serious nature of the event. She reassured parents that a neighboring bus was quickly dispatched to transport remaining students home. The message underscored the school’s commitment to student safety and announced the presence of crisis counselors available for students needing support.
Heroic Actions During the Crisis
Witnesses hailed the quick actions of Eyersol Belbuel, a security guard at the nearby recreation center, who rushed to help the students on the bus. Belbuel described hearing gunfire and immediately running to assist. He recounted ushering dozens of students to safety, including one who was bleeding from the injuries sustained during the incident.
“I heard somebody say, ‘I need help.’ The driver opened the door, and I took everyone out of the bus,” Belbuel shared. His instinct to help was driven by a sense of familial responsibility, saying, “I did this because I have family, I have children — that’s why I help everybody.”
Ongoing Investigation
The CMPD continues to investigate the shooting, with updates promised as more information becomes available. The community is left to grapple with the implications of this violent act, particularly in a place meant to ensure the safety of children.
Efforts to address fears stemming from this event are underway, with the education officials focusing on the mental well-being of students affected by the incident. They encourage parents to speak to their children about the event and offer resources for support.
The Charlotte community is urged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity as the investigation unfolds.
