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Trio accused of firing shots in uptown during CIAA will face judge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Blac Youngsta, a Memphis-based rapper, is facing charges connected to a gun battle in February in uptown Charlotte during the CIAA tournament.

The shootout on Caldwell Street sent dozens of bullets flying into houses and cars, nearly hitting children.

"I'm innocent," said Sammie Benson, who goes by the rap name Blac Youngsta.

When he turned himself into authorities Tuesday morning, the rapper was flanked by his attorney and friends.

"I ain't fire nothing, I don't know nothing, I didn't see nothing, I didn't do nothing," Benson said.

Police sources said the shooting involved two rappers.

[RELATED ARTICLE: Sources say shooting in uptown involved 2 rappers, 100 shots]

Rapper Young Dolph appeared to brag that he survived the shooting in a bulletproof SUV. He was in Charlotte to perform at a club during the week of the CIAA tournament.

(WATCH: Trio connected with shooting turn themselves in)

Benson's attorney said the 27-year-old turned himself in because police found a van that was involved in the shooting. The attorney told Channel 9 that Benson rented the van, but it was stolen from him.

"Obviously somebody's ratting, somebody snitching,” Benson said.

(Fredrick Black, 

Antavius Gardner, 

Sammie Benson

)

Two other men wanted in connection with the shootout, Fredrick Black, 23, and Antavius Gardner, 21, also turned themselves in on Tuesday.

Attorneys think they are part of Benson's circle.

All three men are charged with six counts of discharging a weapon into an occupied property and felony conspiracy.

Their cases are expected to be heard by a judge on Wednesday.

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