Interstate 485's outer loop in west Charlotte ground to a halt Sunday morning after a roadside shooting left one person with life-threatening injuries, officials said. Emergency crews and police flooded the stretch near the Arrowood Road exit, blocking traffic while they worked the scene. The response began around 11:20 a.m., creating heavy backups on nearby surface streets as drivers tried to find a way around the shutdown.
MEDIC crews took the wounded person to a local hospital, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation temporarily closed the highway in the area near Arrowood Road while officers investigated, according to Queen City News. That report noted that CMPD had not immediately released information about possible suspects or a motive.
What authorities said
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's newsroom lists the Homicide Unit tip line at 704-432-8477 (TIPS) for members of the public, per CMPD. Investigators asked anyone with video or other information to contact that line or to submit an anonymous tip to Charlotte Crime Stoppers.
Traffic impact
The closure on the outer loop near Arrowood Road pushed drivers onto surface streets and tangled west Charlotte commutes while the scene was cleared. The I-485 corridor has seen major changes this year, including the opening of express lanes in February 2026, which has altered traffic flow and detour options, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
How to help
Anyone who witnessed the shooting or who may have dash-cam or cellphone video is asked to call the CMPD tip line at 704-432-8477 or provide an anonymous report to Charlotte Crime Stoppers, as noted in the department's newsroom. Officials also urged drivers to stay away from the area while crews remained on scene and to check official channels for updates.
