Local
Gunfire and damage reported during overnight gathering at Huntersville church
Faith City Charlotte leaders say gunfire and vandalism during an Oct. 18 gathering of hundreds of young people marked at least the fourth such incident at the property. The church is seeking barriers on a nearby dead-end road and is working with law enforcement.
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Gunfire rang out in the parking lot of Faith City Charlotte around 2 a.m. Oct. 18 as hundreds of young people gathered at the Mecklenburg County church, and surveillance video showed people running for cover, according to church leaders and officials cited in connection with the incident.
The gathering left windows damaged. Bishop Amere May said it was at least the fourth takeover at the church, and that fencing installed to deter gatherings has been destroyed whenever it was rebuilt.
May said a dead-end road beside the church has repeatedly been used for illegal dumping, drug use and driving in circles. Tire marks have now extended into the church parking lot, he said. Church leaders have asked the city to install a roadblock or other barriers to limit vehicle access.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson and her staff are aware of the situation and involved, May said. He said the church is cooperating with law enforcement and asked anyone with information, photographs or video to share it with authorities. No arrests or injuries were reported in the account of the incident.
Despite the repeated damage and gunfire, church leaders said they intend to keep the church open to the community. Executive Pastor Scott White said the congregation believes it must remain prepared to serve people who need support.
The episode underscores the safety concerns facing a neighborhood institution as church leaders seek help addressing activity on the adjacent road and repeated damage to the property.