Union County is reeling under the impact of juvenile gang violence following a recent drive-by shooting that sprayed sixteen rounds, narrowly missing the occupants of a mobile home. Five individuals, three adults and two juveniles, are now facing charges linked to this incident, as well as a subsequent weapons assault. The alarming events unfolded in late March along Morning Glory Drive in Wingate, a small town that's starkly reminded that such violence often strikes too close to home. According to a statement obtained by WBTV, the sheriff's office swiftly initiated an investigation which revealed connections to local street gang disputes, involving mostly teenagers.
Details from the scene, reported by WCNC, include discovery of a sedan riddled with bullets and two rounds that managed to penetrate a nearby mobile home. Miraculously, no one was injured in the gunfire. Continuance of their investigation led detectives to a 16-year-old suspect who had arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound, just one day post the drive-by. The teen's injury was connected to the weapons assault case, further entangling the incidents with the ongoing gang feud.
Sheriff Eddie Cathey conveyed his distress over the level of violence exerted by young individuals making perilous decisions. In a quote from QC News, he stated, "We're dealing with young people who are making dangerous decisions that put entire families at risk." The charged adults have been identified as Yair Avalos, Oscar Gonzalez-Capote, and Altagracia Juarez-Melchor, with bonds set at $500,000 and $505,000 respectively. The juveniles have been charged via the Department of Juvenile Justice and their identities remain undisclosed.
Repercussions of the gang violence bear witness to an ongoing struggle within our communities to address and curtail such activities among the youth. The Union County Sheriff's Office has urged anyone with information related to these incidents to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Union County Crime Stoppers.
