4 charged after gunfire erupts in front of school bus in west Charlotte, police say

CHARLOTTE — No one was reported to be hurt when gunfire broke out in front of a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bus on Tuesday afternoon, a district spokesperson told Channel 9′s Jonathan Lowe. Police have charged four people in connection to the incident.

CMS said shots were fired around 6 p.m. near West Boulevard and Watson Drive between two vehicles in the area of the school bus. The bus was not hit and no one on it was hurt.

The bus had at least nine students from Quail Hollow Middle School and a bus driver on board, a spokesperson said. All students made it home before 7:30 p.m.

On Tuesday night, CMPD said it had five suspects in custody believed to be connected to the shooting. On Wednesday, the department announced four of those people have been charged.

Investigators said the shooting is believed to have stemmed from a road rage incident. They said surveillance video showed shots being fired from a black Dodge Charger. A second car was hit by gunfire, but the driver was not hurt.

Officers found the Charger around 10 p.m. Tuesday and started chasing it, CMPD said. The chase lasted about 10 minutes and ended on Old Pineville Road, where police took five people into custody. One person allegedly had a gun and another was bitten by a police dog during the arrest, CMPD said. Two total guns were found, one of which was stolen, police.

Authorities charged four people in connection to the case: 21-year-old Fredrick Dickson, 20-year-old Messiyah McManus, 19-year-old Timmie Smith and 21-year-old Arthur Kirkpatrick. They’re charged with the following:

• Dickson: Discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle, resist/delay/obstructing officers, possession of a firearm by a felon, felony speeding to elude.
• McManus: Discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, resist/delay/obstructing officers.
• Smith: Discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle, resist/delay/obstructing officers.
• Kirkpatrick: Discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle, resist/delay/obstructing officers.

Counselors were at Quail Hollow Middle School on Wednesday as a precaution, a statement to parents from the district said.

MEDIC said it did not respond to the area.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact CMPD at 704-334-1600.

This is a developing story. Check wsoctv.com for updates.

Statement from the principal of Quail Hollow Middle School:

“Good evening families, This is Principal McNeil calling to make you aware of an incident that took place near your student’s bus. Your student and the bus driver are physically safe and will be home as soon as possible. We have very little confirmed information; however, the police are currently investigating the matter.

“We will have counselors at school check in with students in the morning to care for their emotional well-being. Thank you, as always, for your partnership to care for our students. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any specific questions or needs related to your student.”

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