Case Update: Homicide and Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

Published on October 23, 2025

Case Update: Homicide Investigation and Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025) – A second victim in this case has been identified as Shabazz Mesiah Grant, 34. Grant was transported from the scene to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Mr. Grant’s next of kin has been notified of his death and this case update.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is the lead investigating agency in the Officer-Involved Shooting incident and CMPD is lead investigating agency on all other incidents.

As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Moore is the lead detective assigned to this case. The public can also leave information anonymously by calling Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, using the Charlotte Crime Stoppers P3 Tips Mobile App or by visiting the Charlotte Crime Stoppers website. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20251023-1607-01.

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Case Update: Homicide Investigation and Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, Oct. 24, 2025) – The victim in this case has been identified as Justin Westbrook Carlton, 38.

As a result of the continued investigation, homicide detectives identified Joseph Andrade, 28, as the suspect in this case.

Mr. Carlton’s next of kin has been notified of his death and this case update.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is the lead investigating agency in the Officer-Involved Shooting incident and CMPD is lead investigating agency on all other incidents.

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Homicide Investigation in the Freedom Division and Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in the Metro Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025) – On Thursday, Oct. 23, shortly after 4 p.m., officers responded to multiple calls for service including Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Injury and Shots Fired near the intersection of Hoskins Road and Black Avenue in the Freedom Division.

Upon arrival, officers located two victims who had sustained gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. One victim has succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The suspect in this case later forced his way into a nearby home, kidnapped a victim and left the residence in a stolen vehicle.

A short time later, officers observed the suspect vehicle and initiated a pursuit. The suspect then began shooting at CMPD officers. After a short pursuit, the suspect exited the vehicle and continued to shoot in the direction of CMPD officers.

Perceiving an imminent and deadly threat, CMPD officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect. Life-saving measures were performed. However, the suspect was pronounced deceased on scene.

Multiple CMPD vehicles were shot into during this incident. Neither the kidnapped victim nor any officers were injured during this incident. Four officers are being evaluated at the hospital as a precautionary measure.

A firearm was recovered on scene.

Representatives from CMPD's Operations Command, Homicide Unit, Charlotte Fire Department, MEDIC and Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office responded. CMPD's Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is the lead investigating agency in the Officer-Involved Shooting incident and CMPD is lead investigating agency on all other incidents.

As is standard procedure with any officer-involved shooting, CMPD's Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct a separate but parallel investigation. The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation per standard protocol.

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