Shabazz Mesiah Grant Obituary, Death – Authorities in Charlotte have confirmed that a second person has passed away following a series of connected violent incidents that unfolded across northwest Charlotte late last week. The events, which began with a shooting and ended with an armed confrontation involving police, left several people affected and continue to be under active investigation.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), 34-year-old Shabazz Mesiah Grant died on Sunday at a local hospital as a result of injuries he suffered during a shooting that took place Thursday afternoon. The initial incident began around 4 p.m. on North Hoskins Road near Brookshire Boulevard, where officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the area.
Upon arrival, police discovered two individuals, Grant and 38-year-old Justin Westbrooks Carlton, both suffering from serious injuries related to the incident. Carlton was transported to the hospital, where he later passed away, while Grant was initially hospitalized but succumbed to his injuries days later.
Shortly after officers began investigating the first shooting, a second emergency call came in reporting a home invasion and kidnapping in the same area. Authorities say that a 28-year-old man, identified as Joseph Andrade, allegedly forced a woman into a vehicle and fled the scene. Officers quickly located the suspect’s vehicle and began pursuing it through parts of Charlotte.
During the pursuit, Andrade reportedly discharged a firearm multiple times, hitting several police vehicles. The chase came to an end near the intersection of Freedom Drive and Morehead Street, where the suspect’s vehicle eventually crashed. Police say Andrade got out of the vehicle and continued to fire toward officers, prompting law enforcement to return fire. Andrade was fatally wounded at the scene, and a firearm was recovered nearby.
Fortunately, the kidnapped woman managed to escape after the crash and was found safe by officers soon after. Police confirmed that she is cooperating fully with investigators as they continue to piece together the sequence of events that led up to the chase.
CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings stated that four officers involved in the pursuit were taken to a local hospital for precautionary evaluation and to receive mental health support. None of them sustained physical injuries during the encounter. Jennings also noted that some of the officers involved were still in training and will receive additional assistance and counseling in the days ahead.
As of now, investigators are working to understand what motivated the suspect’s actions and whether the home invasion was random. Police have said there is currently no evidence that Andrade had any prior connection to the individuals involved in the initial shooting on North Hoskins Road.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is handling the review of the officer-involved portion of the incident, while the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to lead the investigation into the earlier shootings and related assaults. Both agencies are collaborating to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
Chief Jennings expressed gratitude for the quick actions of officers and the cooperation of community members during what he described as a “complex and dangerous situation.” He also commended residents who provided information that helped locate the suspect and rescue the kidnapping victim safely.
Authorities are now urging anyone with additional information about any part of Thursday’s incidents to come forward. Individuals can reach CMPD’s Homicide Unit by calling 704-432-8477 and asking for Detective Moore, the lead investigator on the case. Tips can also be shared anonymously through Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
Police officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring community safety and supporting those affected by the tragedy. The department continues to provide resources to the victims’ families and officers involved as the community processes the aftermath of the events that unfolded in northwest Charlotte.
