Arrest warrants obtained for suspect in northeast Charlotte police shootout

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department identified the man they shot in northeast Charlotte Tuesday morning as 39-year-old Darnell Simms.

Officers shot and critically wounded Simms after responding to a reported domestic violence protection order violation, the chief said.

Simms was admitted to the hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Police say he will face multiple charges once he’s released from the hospital, including four counts of attempted murder.

The shooting occurred near Autumn Frost Trail and Harris Houston Road in The Retreat at Camden Commons neighborhood. Police said the call came in at about 11:30 a.m. after a woman reported an armed man was traveling to her home in violation of a court order.

The caller went to a nearby business to await police. When officers arrived in the 4200 block of Autumn Frost Trail at approximately 11:30 a.m., they encountered the suspect, Police Chief Estella Patterson said.

“We are so thankful that she indicated to us that she believed that he had a firearm, because now our officers are on high alert as they arrive,” Patterson said.

According to police, the suspect produced a gun and fired toward the officers. Multiple officers returned fire, striking the suspect.

Officers rendered medical aid at the scene until MEDIC and the Charlotte Fire Department arrived. The suspect was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

No officers were struck by gunfire, though multiple officers were taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution. Police recovered a firearm at the scene and confirmed that bullets struck a vehicle and multiple homes, Patterson said.

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Rounds struck several homes and at least one car.

“Sounded like between 10 to 20, maybe,” said Jamal Cobb, a neighbor.

Patterson emphasized that their work is dangerous.

“Our officers are heroes,” Patterson said. “They come to work, and they do a great job. And there are instances like this that they have to be prepared for.”

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting CMPD with the investigation. CMPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau is conducting a parallel investigation, and officers are canvassing the area for witness statements and surveillance footage.

‘Armed and ready’

Domestic violence victim advocates emphasized the importance of taking protective measures during domestic disputes.

Bea Coté, executive director of IMPACT+ Abuse Prevention Services, noted that the victim took appropriate action by notifying law enforcement immediately.

“She took that threat seriously, and it looks like he had every intention of going to her home and killing her. Because he was armed and ready to do that,” Coté said.

Coté also pointed to the outcome as evidence of the value of legal protection orders. “

As you see here, the restraining order worked. So, it’s really important that if you think it can keep you safe, to go ahead and get the restraining order. If you feel that your life, that your safety is in danger. That your children are in danger,” Coté said.

Patterson similarly commended the woman for acting quickly to alert officers to the impending threat.

“She was very forward-thinking, as you stated, and making sure that the safety of her and anybody else was in place,” Patterson said.

For individuals dealing with domestic violence, local support services are available. The Safe Alliance Hope Line provides assistance 24 hours a day in English and Spanish at 980-771-HOPE.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.

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