Police searching for person accused of shooting 10-year-old girl at north Charlotte car wash

CHARLOTTE — A 10-year-old girl was seriously hurt in a shooting Saturday at a north Charlotte car wash, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said.

Just before 3 p.m., officers responded to Sunset Auto Spa on Sunset Road after receiving reports of an assault with a deadly weapon.

At the scene, they found the girl, who was shot. She was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

During a news conference Wednesday, CMPD said the child’s name is Cherish and that her injuries are “grievous and potentially life-altering.”

“It’s difficult for me, Lieutenant Crum, to put into words how upsetting this case is. I cannot say this is a parent’s worst nightmare because no parent should imagine this could happen to their child,” said Lt. Bryan Crum.

The girl’s mother told Crum she is a loving child who cares about people, enjoys making people laugh and helping them when she can. She said Cherish loves to ride her bike, sing, dance and spend time with her family.

During the investigation, police believe the child and her mother were at the car wash when an unknown suspect approached them and opened fire.

Crum said detectives don’t know who the person was shooting at, but Cherish could not have been his target.

“This gunman put many other lives in jeopardy that day as well,” he said.

No arrests have been made. Police believe the suspect is likely from the area or visits often.

“We need the community’s help to find justice for Cherish and her family. The community has come through for us so many times before and we need members of the community to come through for this little girl and her family,” Crum said.

Residents who live near the area told Channel 9 that they were stunned to hear about this incident.

“I think it’s real sad because this is a nice neighborhood, and for something like that to happen, it’s just real sad. And I just need for everybody to try and put the guns down,” resident Rick McCoy said.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asking to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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