CMPD: Shots fired along South Boulevard

CHARLOTTE — Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are investigating after shots were fired in a strip mall parking lot on South Boulevard.

Police were called to the 3000 block of South Boulevard around 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Investigators have revealed little about the shooting, only telling Channel 9 two people were taken into custody near the scene shortly after the shooting happened.

Tyreek Oliver and Kendric Washington were charged in the incident.

Oliver is facing a drug charge and Washington was charged with discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling.

The strip mall is home to shops and a couple of restaurants, including a popular bar.

Several people were inside the bar when the shooting started in the parking lot and some even helped police identify the suspects.

A bartender at the bar asked to not be identified and told Channel 9 he knew something wasn't right when he first arrived to work. 

"There were men parked right here in the middle of the entrance," said the bartender, pointing toward the entrance to the strip mall. "I thought about saying something and then I noticed his eyes were focused down the street, looking at this other guy walking up the street."

The bartender said the man walking up the street ended up walking into the bar but then quickly walked out.

"He walked through, got on his phone quick and then out," said the bartender.

The bartender said about 20 minutes later, he heard several gunshots coming from the parking lot.

"I saw the smoke in the air and a kid running across a parking lot," said the bartender.

Police were called to the scene. Detectives canvassed the area for about an hour, collecting shell casings and interviewing witnesses.
Some witnesses were able to provide police with a description of the suspects. Two people were taken into custody a short time later at a Burger King about a quarter-mile from the scene.

At least two unoccupied cars were hit by bullets but no one was shot or hurt in the shooting.

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