Crowd gathers to catch glimpse of first lady in Ballantyne

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Part of Ballantyne is blocked off by heavy security Thursday.

The president and the first lady are staying at the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge.

Michelle Obama drew a crowd in Ballantyne when she left the hotel Thursday morning for some speaking engagements in uptown.

People showed up and stood with Channel 9 reporter Andrew Doud and waited for police to block off the intersection of Ballantyne Commons Parkway and Johnston Road.

Around 9:45 a.m., a caravan of motorcycles, highway patrol cars, black SUVs and white vans made a right turn on Johnston Road and headed toward Interstate 485.

Although, Channel 9 can't confirm it was the first lady's motorcade, it makes sense considering she was scheduled to appear at the Convention Center at 10:15 a.m.

Channel 9 spoke to Vaneta Smiley who came by Wednesday night and again Thursday morning just to try and catch a glimpse of the Obama's.

Wednesday, police blocked off Johnston Road for 30 minutes before the president even got into the area.

Drivers were delayed 10 to 15 minutes Thursday morning.

WSOC