CHARLOTTE — A man said he was sitting behind the wheel of his car in University City when someone opened fire, striking the vehicle multiple times and shattering windows.
He told Channel 9’s Miana Massey he feels lucky to be alive.
“I survived by the grace of God,” the man, who asked to remain anonymous, said. “I mean, this car is rattled up.”
He said he was headed to the gas station Wednesday morning when a person riding a four-wheeler came up behind him along the intersection of Back Creek Church Road.
“He swerved around me. Then another pickup truck swerved around me with him,” he said. “They were yelling out the window, saying something, doing gestures.”
He said he tried to turn away at the next light but saw someone rise out of a gray pickup truck and start shooting. The man then managed to climb out, taking cover beside his SUV.
He shared photos of the damage at the scene, his car riddled with bullet holes and windows shattered. The driver counted at least 11 shots.
“Oh my God, I’m still shook up by this,” he said. “The thought of my grandkids or anybody just caught in some nonsense like that, it breaks my heart, man. I’m grateful to be alive.”
The report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department estimates about $10,000 in damage and classified this case as an aggravated assault with intent to kill.
“It’s a miracle that I lived. It’s a miracle I didn’t get hit, truly a miracle,” the driver said. “I’m counting my blessings right now.”
The driver believes the shooting was tied to a road rage incident, and he was just caught in the crossfire.
Channel 9 reached out to CMPD asking about a motive or any arrests. However, due to the status of the investigation, they were unable to share any other information.