July 4th No Official Fireworks But Madness Just the Same

Friday July 4th our Independence Day is the national holiday. But because the Charlotte Knights would wrap a 4 game stand against the Durham Bulls on Thursday and not play at home again until July 18th, WBT's "Skyshow" fireworks was moved up a day.

Odd that the Nation's 14th largest city would not celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.  Makes about as much sense as having New Year's eve on January 3rd because it's a Saturday.

But leave it to "Black Charloot" to keep it real and descend on Uptown like a swarm of locusts as if there were planned celebrations. Maybe they didn't get the notice?

They did however show up by the bus load. Who needs professional fireworks when you have guns, weed, roman candles and firecrackers?

What occurred was total chaos and it all descended on Romare Bearden Park. Fights, gunfire, explosions and traffic jams. 

The official Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department statement:

CMPD Manages Crowds in Uptown Charlotte on July 4th

Charlotte, NC – (Saturday, July 5, 2025) 

On the evening of July 4, numerous people gathered in and around the 300 block of South Church Street, Romare Bearden Park, despite no official events being planned.  The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) was prepared with resources to manage any situation arising from the influx of visitors.

Throughout the evening, CMPD officers worked diligently to manage the crowds and maintain order.

There were a total of 15 arrests, seven adults and eight juveniles.  Additionally, 10 firearms were seized during these arrests. 

The following adult suspects were arrested:

Khalil Delaney, 18, is charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun), Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana and Resisting Public Officer

Don-Nell Greene, 20, is charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun), Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Pyrotechnics/Fireworks and Resisting Public Officer

Russell Matthews Jr., 20, is charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun), Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Jadarius Miller, 26, is charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon (Gun) and Possession of Marijuana

Tommie Glinsey, 26, is charged with Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Gun), Shooting in the City Limits, Felony Conspiracy and Misdemeanor Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Kamron Mason, 31, is charged with Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Gun), Shooting in the City Limits, Felony Conspiracy, Misdemeanor Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Firearm by Felon and Possession of Stolen Firearm

Carell Scipio, 42, is charged with Possession of Marijuana and Resisting Public Officer

The eight juveniles who were arrested ranged in age from 14 to 17 years old.  Their charges include violating the Youth Protection Ordinance, Possession of Stolen Firearm, Possession of Handgun by Minor, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Public Officer, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Two officers were injured during the arrest of one of the subjects.  One officer was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.  The other officer was evaluated on scene by MEDIC and assessed with minor injuries.

Partnerships with the Charlotte Fire Department, MEDIC, CATS, CDOT, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation and Mecklenburg County Emergency Management were critical in managing the influx of visitors.  Event operations were coordinated from the CMPD command center, which was operational from 5 p.m. on Friday, July 4, to 1 a.m. on Saturday, July 5.

CMPD appreciates the hard work of its officers and thanks all public safety partners for their collaboration. 

But the arrests didn't stop at 12 Midnight:.

Other arrests for weapons processed on July 5th:

Dennis Marvin Day

Wesley Beamon

Jvonta James Dixon

Cedrick Roary

Charlie Ellis Williams

The death of uptown continues thanks to Vi Lyles, Charlotte City Council.