A second man has died following a violent shooting in Charlotte that led to a kidnapping, carjacking, and a dramatic police chase. The suspect was fatally shot by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police after exchanging gunfire with officers during the pursuit.
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CHARLOTTE, NC (3-minute read) — A second victim has died following a violent chain of events that unfolded in Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning with a double shooting and ending in a deadly encounter between police and the suspected gunman.
On Thursday, October 23, around 4 p.m., officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to reports of a shooting on Hoskins Road. When officers arrived, they found 38-year-old Justin Carlton dead at the scene and 34-year-old Shabazz Mesiah Grant critically injured. Grant later died from his injuries on Sunday, October 26.
Police quickly identified the suspect as 28-year-old Joseph Andrade. As they investigated the scene, another call came in reporting a nearby home invasion. Authorities say Andrade broke into a home, kidnapped a woman, and stole her car in an attempt to flee. The woman, fortunately, was not physically harmed during the incident.
High-Speed Chase Ends in Shootout
Shortly after the home invasion, police located the stolen vehicle, prompting a pursuit through Charlotte’s west side. According to officers, Andrade opened fire on law enforcement during the chase, damaging multiple patrol vehicles and civilian cars.
The pursuit ended roughly four miles away at the intersection of Freedom Drive and West Morehead Street. After crashing the stolen vehicle, the kidnapped woman managed to escape without injury. Andrade then allegedly fled on foot while continuing to shoot at police officers.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police returned fire, fatally striking Andrade. Per standard protocol, the State Bureau of Investigation is now reviewing the officer-involved shooting.
Incidents like this highlight the unpredictable and dangerous nature of violent crime and how quickly situations can escalate. While the suspect is no longer a threat, two innocent lives were lost, and several others were put in harm’s way during this ordeal.
Safety Tip: Always maintain awareness of your surroundings, especially in transitional spaces like parking lots or near your home. If you’re carrying concealed, make sure you’re proficient with your firearm and understand local use-of-force laws.