Residents Shocked At Gang-Related Shootout In New Neighborhood

Police said more than 100 shots were fired during a shootout Thursday morning in a house on Candlewood Ridge Lane, near the intersection of Pleasant Plains Road and Savannah Hills Drive in Matthews.

Police said many of the bullets went into neighboring homes. They believe the gunfire could be tied to gangs.

Lisa Catalano said a bullet shattered the glass of her son's car door window. She said another bullet sliced through the side of her house.

Catalano said they were heart-stopping moments for her and her family.

"Very, very scared -- scared to death. (I) could not believe it was going on while we were sleeping," she said.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, three or four men with guns broke into the house across the street from the Catalanos on Candlewood Ridge Lane.

Officers said the men, all wearing ski masks, tried to rob the four people inside. That's when the gun fight started with more than 100 bullets fired, police said. Officials said three people inside were shot and treated at area hospitals.

When police arrived, they found guns and a large quantity drugs inside.

That's not surprising to Catalano.

"I've had a feeling something was going on there for a while because of all the activity at all odd hours of the night," she said.

Police said the shooting was not only a drug-related crime, but also a gang-related crime.

"It's very safe. It's a beautiful neighborhood. It's a brand new neighborhood -- great families moving in. It's very upsetting," said Catalano.

Police are looking for three or four more suspects wearing masks and dark clothing, and leaving the scene in a blue compact car.

If you have any information, call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.