Uptown Charlotte, August 15, 2025
News Summary
A bar fight in Uptown Charlotte escalated into a violent machete attack, resulting in the arrest of 39-year-old Matthew King. The incident left one victim with severe injuries. Witnesses intervened to assist in disarming the suspect, who now faces multiple felony charges. This alarming event highlights the dangers associated with nightlife altercations and the importance of responsible behavior in public spaces.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A bar fight in Uptown Charlotte early Saturday morning escalated to a violent machete attack, resulting in the arrest of 39-year-old Matthew King for attempted murder and multiple other charges. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. along South Brevard Street, where police responded to reports of an assault involving a deadly weapon.
Upon arrival, officers found the main victim, identified as Kurt Lee Casey, outside the bar with a severe laceration on his left hand. Meanwhile, King was discovered nearby, covered in blood with a machete and brass knuckles located next to him. Preliminary investigations revealed that King had been removed from the bar about half an hour before the incident following a verbal confrontation that escalated into a physical fight.
Witnesses reported that King returned to the bar armed with brass knuckles and a machete. He allegedly approached Casey from behind, saying, “Remember me?” before attempting to strike him with the brass knuckles. In a desperate attempt to defend himself, Casey raised his left hand, leading to a severe cut from the machete that would require surgical intervention. A second victim, Jeffrey Vangordon, sustained a minor cut to his right thigh during the ensuing struggle to disarm King.
Witnesses played a crucial role in the incident, assisting in disarming King and detaining him until police arrived. After the attack, King was arrested around 2:15 a.m. and was later taken to the hospital for minor injuries he sustained during the altercation.
King now faces multiple serious charges, including felony attempted first-degree murder, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held without bond at Mecklenburg County Jail.
This incident highlights the potential dangers of altercations in nightlife settings, with the use of deadly weapons dramatically increasing the severity of such situations. Police continuously urge citizens to prioritize safety and report any threatening behavior to avoid violent escalations.
Incident Details
- Date: August 9
- Location: South Brevard Street, Uptown Charlotte
- Time: Approximately 2 a.m.
- Main Suspect: Matthew King, 39
- Main Victim: Kurt Lee Casey
- Charges: Attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon.
- Arrest Time: 2:15 a.m.
- Hospital Treatment: Both victims required medical attention; surgical intervention for Casey.
Background Information
Uptown Charlotte, known for its vibrant nightlife, has been a hub for various social gatherings. However, incidents like this underline the importance of responsible behavior and conflict resolution in public spaces. As patrons enjoy the nightlife, the presence of alcohol and emotions can lead to misunderstandings that escalate rapidly, as seen in this unfortunate case.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Incident | Bar fight escalating to a machete attack |
| Time of Incident | 2 a.m. on August 9 |
| Main Suspect | Matthew King |
| Primary Charges | Attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon |
| Victims | Kurt Lee Casey, Jeffrey Vangordon |
| Witness Response | Witnesses assisted in disarming King |
| Outcome | King arrested and held without bond |
FAQs
What happened in the Uptown Charlotte incident?
A bar fight escalated into a machete attack resulting in serious injuries to one victim and minor injuries to another. The primary suspect has been arrested.
Who is the main suspect?
The main suspect is 39-year-old Matthew King, who is charged with attempted first-degree murder and other offenses.
What injuries did the victims sustain?
Kurt Lee Casey suffered a severe laceration on his left hand that required surgery, while Jeffrey Vangordon sustained a minor cut on his thigh.
What actions were taken by the witnesses during the incident?
Witnesses intervened to help disarm Matthew King and detained him until police arrived.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Wikipedia: Violence in Nightlife
- WCNC
- Google Search: Machete Attacks
- WSOC TV
- Google Scholar: Bar Violence
- Charlotte Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bar Fight
- WCCB Charlotte
- Google News: Machete Attack Charlotte
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.
