Charlotte's North neighborhood experienced a troubling series of events on Wednesday afternoon as emergency services responded to a car fire and a homicide. According to WBTV, first responders arrived at Oaklawn Avenue near Statesville Avenue at 3:57 p.m. to find a burning vehicle and later reports of a possible double shooting in the area.
The situation escalated when the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) confirmed a man's death at around 4:38 p.m., initiating a homicide investigation. As reported by WCCB Charlotte, officials have not released much detail, but have urged the public to steer clear of the ongoing active scene. The fire department managed to get the car fire under control quickly, sharing that one person found inside had been injured and taken to hospital.
Further details arose when the victim was identified as 25-year-old Carlos Leiva, as confirmed by QC News. CMPD reported that Leiva was found with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead on the site of an apparent violent outburst which also resulted in an SUV catching fire after a crash into an empty parked car. The fire crew's efficiency was noted as they contained the blaze within a mere two minutes of their arrival.
CMPD Homicide Unit detectives are asking the public to share any information by calling 704-432-TIPS. The investigation into the incident on Oaklawn Avenue is currently active and ongoing.
