CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gunfire erupted on a Charlotte elementary school campus Tuesday afternoon, and police said it was all part on an undercover drug operation.
One suspect later died at the hospital and an informant was injured.
On Tuesday night, neighbors said they were rattled, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police chief defended his officers.
Residents of the Hidden Valley neighborhood said they want to know why CMPD officers chose their neighborhood for their undercover operation.
The drug deal and shootout took place just steps from Wilmer Bourne's house.
Drug buy that ended in gunfire part of larger investigation
"It bothers me because I live right across from the school, and it is bad that it was on the school grounds. That is what bothers me so much," he said.
"This was a location identified by individuals that we were seeking to purchase (drugs from). We were aware that the school was empty of any kids," said CMPD Chief Officer Rodney Monroe.
In a news conference Tuesday night, Monroe defended his officer's decision to conduct the undercover operation in the parking lot of Hidden Valley Elementary School.
Monroe said two undercover officers and an informant purchased drugs from 17-year-old Jaqauz Walker, who they call the main seller, and another suspect. Gunfire was exchanged and Walker was critically injured.
Police said their informant was shot in the shoulder, while the other suspect took off.
Police said Walker succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
IMAGES: 2 shot after undercover drug buy goes bad, police say
Monroe said the location of where these types of operations take place is sometimes outside their control.
"Anytime you can conduct an undercover operation, what is a good location? Is it a shopping mall? Neighborhood? There is no real perfect location," Monroe said.
"They could have had it behind the school in a big field or whatever. Just the school ground, I think it was a bad choice," neighbor Bourne said.
WSOC
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