Local

Police look for person in connection with 16-year-old boy killed in shooting

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — CMPD released photos of someone they are looking for in connection with with the northeast Charlotte shooting death of 16-year-old Ruben Contreras on Nov. 7.

The male in the photos is known to hang around the 6700 block of North Tryon Street, police said. He has a tattoo on his face.

Call detectives at 704-432-TIPS if you have any information.

Officers were called to the scene just before 8:30 p.m. on North Tryon Street near Orchard Trace Lane and the Interstate 85 connector. When police got to the area, they found Contreras with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Channel 9′s Mark Becker visited the area on Monday, where neighbors have created a memorial to honor the teen.

The boy’s family told Channel 9 that he had come from the store, most likely through a wooded path, when there was an argument and he was hit by a bullet probably intended for someone else.

“My neighbor who was sitting outside heard all the sirens coming over,” said Tonya Hill.

She had known the teenager as one of the kids at the community swimming pool.

Another woman, who didn’t want to be identified, said the 16-year-old was her son’s best friend.

Police said Monday that they are still working on all leads, but that they need help.

"That’s what we’re up against right now -- there’s a lot of people making the wrong decisions, picking up guns, said Adrian Johnson with CMPD Crimestoppers. “If anybody out there has any information, please give us a call.”

Authorities have not said what led up to the shooting and no arrests have been made.

Contreras’s death marks Charlotte’s 104th homicide this year and the third since Wednesday.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.