CMPD Ensures a Safe and Successful July 4th Celebration in Uptown Char

Published on July 05, 2026

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, July 6, 2026) – As part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s commitment to transparency and timely public safety reporting, CMPD has finalized its post event review and is releasing updated information on arrests and enforcement actions taken during the July 4th celebrations in Uptown Charlotte. This year’s America 250 events drew thousands of visitors, requiring a coordinated, high visibility deployment of officers and public safety partners.

Strategic proactive policing in Uptown Charlotte—focused on crowd management, curfew compliance and weapon detection—resulted in 39 total arrests, including 18 adults and 21 juveniles (ages 10-17).

“I could not be prouder of the dedication and resolve our department displayed throughout this event,” said Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson. “Our officers worked tirelessly to maintain a safe environment for everyone attending the celebration. The quick response, visibility, and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies were instrumental in managing large crowds and addressing criminal behavior. We appreciate the community’s support and remain dedicated to providing a safe, enjoyable experience at all major events in Charlotte.”

The 18 adults arrested have been identified as:

Justin Alexander, 23
Jalin Baker, 24
Jordan Baker, 30
Robert Beaty, 34
Robert Benford, 23
Chyheim Benton, 23
Daymeon Clark, 18
Jy’Rice Culp, 19
Brian Gainey, 21
Persius Ivey, 19
Anthony Jaquez, 25
Malik McDuffie, 24
Dashaun McKnight, 34
Chrisean Reed, 24
Jonathan Ross, 18
Shannon Royster, 35
Jeremiah Wallace, 18
Ayden White, 18

Charges include Resist, Delay, Obstruct, Possession of Pyrotechnics, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Affray and Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage.

Charges for the 21 juveniles arrested included:

Curfew Violation – 7
Possession of Pyrotechnics – 4
Resist, Delay, Obstruct – 4
Affray – 3
Assault on a Government Official – 2
Possession of a Firearm by a Minor – 2
Carrying a Concealed Weapon – 2
Disorderly Conduct – 1
Possession of Marijuana – 1
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 1
Wearing a Ski Mask – 1 charged

Ten adults were cited for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. The adults who were cited have been identified as:

Lakeisha Barringer, 35
Tilmeshia Byrd, 40
Brittany Correa, 37
Shawn Davis, 34
Sunseeahray Fulton, 46
Jayla Heyward, 41
Daja Lark, 29
Quinneisha McDowell, 37
Montiek Mickle, 48
Asia Randall, 36

In addition to arrest activity, the CMPD’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Unit cited Retro Bar at 200 N. Tryon Street for failure to supervise, unsafe conditions, lack of required human trafficking signage, and failure to recycle. The Charlotte Fire Department also issued a fine for overcrowding and a blocked emergency exit. These enforcement actions reflect CMPD’s continued focus on preventing unsafe conditions and maintaining compliance at Uptown venues.

CMPD appreciates our partners at the Charlotte Fire Department, MEDIC, CATS, CDOT, Mecklenburg County Emergency Management and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office who were vital to ensuring a safe and successful outcome.

CMPD remains committed to accountability and public safety during large‑scale events and will continue working closely with city partners to enhance operational strategies for future celebrations. The department thanks the community for its cooperation and support throughout this year’s Independence Day festivities and encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious activity to promote safety around Charlotte.

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Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, July 5, 2026) – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) successfully executed a comprehensive, strategic operations plan to ensure the safety of thousands of visitors in Uptown Charlotte during Saturday’s America 250 celebration. The holiday festivities, which featured live entertainment, a drone show, and a fireworks display, concluded with no major incidents.

CMPD deployed a robust safety initiative, utilizing assets from across the department including officers from patrol, Entertainment District Unit (EDU), Juvenile Accountability and Diversion Empowerment (JADE) Unit, Crime Reduction Units (CRU), bicycle and dual-sport officers.

Partnerships with the Charlotte Fire Department, MEDIC, CATS, CDOT and Mecklenburg County Emergency Management were critical in the operation’s success. Event operations were coordinated from the CMPD command center. The command center was operational from 2 p.m. – 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Strategic enforcement actions included 28 arrests: 9 adults and 19 juveniles.

The adult suspects who were arrested have been identified as Anthony Jaquez, 25, Chrisean Reed, 24, Brian Gainey, 21, Dashaun McKnight, 34, Jonathan Ross, 18, Jeremiah Wallace, 18, Shannon Royster, 35, Chyheim Benton, 23, and Beaty Robert, 34. Charges include Resist, Delay, Obstruct, Possession of Pyrotechnics, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage.

The 19 juveniles who were arrested ranged in age from 12 – 17 years-old. Their charges include Curfew Violation, Affray, Possession of Pyrotechnics, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Resist/Delay/Obstruct. Eight parents were cited for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Please note: The enforcement data provided represents preliminary figures. These totals are subject to change as reports are finalized. Additional information will be provided by the Public Affairs Division as it becomes available.

The CMPD would like to thank its public safety partners for collaborating in this year’s successful operation.

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