Police: Rolling gun battle in University City sends bullets flying into cars

CHARLOTTE —
Hundreds of people ran for cover after a gun battle at an apartment complex in University City on Memorial Day.

Neighbors told Channel 9 shots rang out during a huge Memorial Day party at the 49 North Apartments off University City Boulevard. Several shooters then climbed in cars and continued firing at each other on University City Boulevard.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are not saying how many people they are searching for, but they did say the shooting began after a fight.

Donald Poplin said the bullets were flying everywhere. His back window was shattered as he drove south on University City Boulevard.

"I crossed over Mallard Creek, and my window exploded. I didn't know what happened," Poplin said. 

Police said Poplin is one of 10 victims whose cars were caught in the crossfire of the gunfight. 
   
"We didn't even hear a gunshot. We heard it come straight through our window and it literally flew right past her shoulder," said Megan Wray, another victim.

Apartment complex residents said there were hundreds of people near the pool and grill area when a fight broke out and shots went off.

 "I heard a couple of people arguing and then I just heard loud noises. It sounded like gun shots and people just started running," said resident Tyrell King.

King and Alton White said it was total chaos.

"Everyone went everywhere, everybody started screaming. One girl and a dude tripped. There was a hit and run in here," White said.

They couldn't see who was firing shots, and Poplin said he does not want to remember. He said three people were in a red Cadillac, two were in a black Honda Civic and three others were in another black car.

"I heard nothing. When I got to the light at John Kirk, the three cars were passing me on either side and they were shooting back and forth across through traffic" said Poplin.

Police said only one of the 10 victims was hurt.

"I'm just surprised no one died." Poplin said.

Police said they are still looking for those suspects. The victims shot were taken to Carolinas Medical Center with serious injuries. They are asking anyone with information to contact CMPD.

WSOC