10 teens, 2 adults arrested amidst July 4 celebration Uptown, CMPD says

CHARLOTTE — After a chaotic Fourth of July in Uptown Charlotte a year ago, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said things went smoothly this year.

Police said they arrested 12 people, including 10 teenagers, but said the night was a success with no major incidents. It’s a far cry from the 47 people charged for last year’s Uptown chaos.

Channel 9′s Glenn Counts spent Thursday evening in the area. Police were on every corner ahead of the fireworks show.

“It was actually very peaceful last night, it was very calm,” Stephanie Mallory said Friday. “A lot of families came out.”

Before the fireworks got underway, officers visited every teen that got in trouble at the 2023 celebration to tell them personally that misbehaving would not be tolerated.

Counts spoke to people who said this year feels a lot different than last.

“I think the vibe is incredible this year all these people out there with their animals and children, I’m just catching really good vibes this year,” Heather Holland said.

A fireworks show started around 9:30 p.m. on what was a hot summer night.

After action report

CMPD said their enforcement Thursday night resulted in the arrested of 12 people: Two adults and 10 teenagers. They confirmed there weren’t any major incidents, adding they seized a gun, a magazine with ammo, more than 12 pounds of marijuana, and three boxes of fireworks.

The adults arrested were 18-year-old Kendric Patton and 27-year-old Maurice Brown. Patton is charged with resist/delay/obstruct and simple drug possession. Brown had a warrant out for his arrest and was also charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, resist/delay/obstruct and possession of pyrotechnics.

CMPD shared a photo of the illegal fireworks Brown is accused of having.

The teens arrestees ranged from 13 to 17 years old. Their charges include carrying a concealed weapon, affray, possession of pyrotechnics, possession of marijuana and resist/delay/obstruct.

“I heard the previous year that it was bad out here so, pretty much, I just stayed upstairs in my apartment and watched it from my balcony,” Wendy Powell said.

Powell’s apartment overlooks Romare Bearden Park.

“It was just a lot of people,” she said. “And just looking straight ahead, I saw no trouble, everybody was just sitting and enjoying themselves.”

Police said out of the 32 home visits they made ahead of the celebration, only one of the minors re-offended on Thursday.

The only complaint Counts heard is one heard 24-7 in this town.

“It was a good experience, except I had to sit in traffic for almost an hour,” Victoria Aarce said.

It’s more proof that people weren’t afraid to come to Uptown.

“The CMPD would like to thank its public safety partners for collaborating in this year’s successful operation,” police said in a news release.

(WATCH BELOW: Summer storms and heat can damage your home)

Summer storms and heat can damage your home

©2024 Cox Media Group