While several mass shootings have occurred in the US, with the number reaching over 400 this year, similar situations have been happening constantly for the past few months.
Yesterday, the SWAT team of the nation had to face another situation where the perpetrator had turned into a victim and fortunately didn’t harm anyone near him.
On September 11, a standoff took place between a SWAT Team and a suspect who reportedly held a gun to his head at the corner of Albemarle Road and W.T. Harris Boulevard. The seven-hour situation ended with the suspect shooting himself after the SWAT team deployed a flash bang.
So, what exactly happened between the SWAT Team and the suspect? And why did he shoot himself?
Albemarle Road Incident Explained
A seven-hour-long standoff reportedly took place in east Charlotte this Monday, where an undisclosed suspect, who is armed with a gun, behaved strangely by pointing a gun at himself.
According to the witnesses and several other news outlets, SWAT officers arrived at the scene at 11 a.m. and shortly closed the roads on both sides of W.T. Harris Boulevard.
When Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene, they noticed a CMPD BearCat blocking everything from the suspect’s position, making it hard to assess the situation.
However, the SWAT team managed to negotiate with the suspect, although it went on and off for about seven hours. CMPD stated, “Our officers are working toward a peaceful resolution. Please continue to avoid the area as roads are still closed.”
During the standoff, CMS Transportation has rerouted several school buses in order to ensure safe pick-ups for the children. The following schools have experienced delays due to the closed routes:
- Albemarle Road MS
- Albemarle Road ES
- Charlotte East Language Academy
- Independence HS
- Esperanza Global Academy
- JH Gunn Elementary
Tom Miner, the Operation Specialist with Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools, also added,
“Transportation services for several schools have been impacted due to an ongoing law enforcement standoff at the intersection of Albemarle Road and Harris Blvd.”
After the incident, a witness named Jay Sprague stated the News reporters nearby, describing how the whole situation played out. In his words,
“I’m standing there, and they say, ‘Oh, he’s got a gun, and there’s kids walking by here.’ I’ve never witnessed something like this firsthand, but the way society is going, I feel like we’re in store for more things like this.”
The negotiations with the suspect ended at 5:30 p.m., during which the suspect set his weapon on the ground. However, when the officers deployed the flashbangs to distract the suspect and arrest him, he picked up the weapon and shot himself.
The suspect was soon taken to a hospital nearby and was shortly reported dead as the injuries were too critical to save him. Following the incident, the roads of all lanes surrounding Albemarle were opened at 6 p.m. to ensure comfortable transport for everyone.
While there is no information on the suspect’s personal details, including the individual’s name and why he did what he did, several media outlets are awaiting responses from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
So, what do you make of the Albemarle Road incident? Would it have led to another mass shooting if the suspect didn’t choose to shoot himself? Let us know your stance in the comment section below.
Source: Queen City News
