Case Update: Officer-Involved Shooting in the Steele Creek Division

Published on September 25, 2024

Case Update: Officer-Involved Shooting in the Steele Creek Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, December 18, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have concluded the criminal investigation of an officer-involved shooting in the 200 block of E. Arrowood Rd. in the Steele Creek Division. The Mecklenburg County District Attorney has also reviewed this case and has released a letter advising the state will not pursue criminal charges related to the death of Nelson Javier Funez Reyes, 37.

On Sunday, September 22, at approximately 7:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service. A suspect vehicle related to this call for service was identified by our Real Time Crime Center. Officer Kludy and Officer Heater conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle which had one occupant, later identified as Nelson Javier Funez Reyes. As officers approached the vehicle and began conversing with Reyes, he produced a 9mm semiautomatic firearm and pointed it at officers. Both officers perceived a deadly, imminent threat and discharged their firearms. Officer Kludy was seriously injured during this incident and transported to the hospital by Medic. Reyes succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital by Medic.

Upon completing the investigation and lab analysis, the evidence indicates:

A 9mm semiautomatic firearm was recovered on scene.

Two spent shell casings matching the suspect’s firearm were collected from the suspect’s vehicle. The investigation cannot determine with certainty whether Reyes fired his weapon during the traffic stop or if the shell casings were from the original Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service.

Bullet fragments from Officer Kludy’s clothes did not match Reyes’ firearm. Evidence shows a bullet fired by Officer Heater struck the suspect vehicle’s A-frame, fragmented, and caused Officer Kludy’s injury.

Evidence gathered during the investigation into this case proves this was not a crossfire or friendly fire incident. The investigation revealed both officers maintained strict muzzle discipline, ensuring their firearms were aimed solely toward the suspect’s vehicle.

As is standard procedure with any officer-involved shooting, the Internal Affairs Division is conducting a separate but parallel investigation which is active and ongoing.

Statement from Chief Jennings:

“This incident highlights the dangers our officers face every day. Our officers acted professionally and courageously in a life-threatening situation, and their actions prevented further harm to the community. Let me be clear: this was not a friendly fire situation. The investigation has confirmed that both officers maintained control and direction of their firearms throughout the incident. The injury to Officer Kludy appears to have been caused by a bullet fragmenting after striking the suspect’s vehicle. The injury was not the result of an error on the part of his partner. I appreciate the dedication and professionalism displayed by our detectives in conducting this thorough investigation and for the in-depth review of this case by Mecklenburg County District Attorney Merriweather. My thoughts are with all those impacted by this incident.”

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Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, September 25, 2024) – The officer who was struck multiple times by gunfire in the line of duty during this incident has been identified as Officer Kenneth Kludy. Officer Kludy has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering from his injuries.

On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, the suspect in this case, Nelson Javier Funez Reyes, 37, was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. Mr. Reyes’ next of kin has been notified of his death.

Officer Kludy and Officer Joshua Heater have been identified as the officers who discharged their service weapons in this case. Officer Heater was hired on October 26, 2020, and Officer Kludy was hired on February 24, 2020. Both officers are assigned to the Steele Creek Division.

As is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting investigation, both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.

CMPD’s Homicide Unit is lead in this active and ongoing investigation. 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 James is the lead detective assigned to this case. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers. The public can also leave information anonymously additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20240922-1930-04.

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Officer-Involved Shooting in the Steele Creek Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, September 22, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are investigating an officer-involved shooting investigation in the 200 block of E. Arrowood Rd. in the Steele Creek Division.

On Sunday, September 22, at approximately 7:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service in the area. At 7:28 p.m., Detectives in the Real Time Crime Center identified a possible suspect vehicle that was believed to be involved in the Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service. At 7:29 p.m., Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 200 block of E. Arrowood Rd. when a suspect produced a handgun causing an exchange of gunfire. At 7:30pm, officers placed an urgent assistance call for service to the area.

Preliminary information indicates that one officer was struck and transported to the hospital with serious injuries. As a precaution, a second officer was taken to an area hospital for precautionary measures. A suspect was also transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A firearm was recovered on scene.

Detectives with CMPD’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene to conduct an investigation, and Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. CMPD's Operations Command, Community Policing Crisis Response Team, Victim Services, Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Homicide Prosecution Team, MEDIC, and CFD also responded to assist.

As is standard procedure with any officer involved shooting, the Internal Affairs Bureau will conduct a separate but parallel investigation.

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