CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two men have been arrested in connection with a tragic mass shooting in Uptown Charlotte that claimed the life of 37-year-old Arleigh Alexzander Bryant and injured five others in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 13, 2025. Court documents reveal that 24-year-old Shawn Cannon and 25-year-old Damien Evans were apprehended and booked into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center on Tuesday night, July 15, 2025.
Both suspects face serious charges related to firearms and their alleged roles in the incident. They are currently being held without bond, reflecting the gravity of the case and the ongoing concerns about public safety.
**Charges and Arrest Details
Shawn Cannon, 24, faces the following charges:
– Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
– Possession of a stolen firearm
– Accessory after the fact to murder
– Felony flee to elude arrest
Damien Evans, 25, has been charged with:
– Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
– Two counts of possession of a stolen firearm
The arrests have sparked a mix of relief and frustration in Charlotte, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting and calls for stronger measures to address gun violence.
**The Night of the Shooting
At approximately 2:00 a.m. on July 13, 2025, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 300 block of North College Street, near The Hive and Encore Nightclub in Uptown’s First Ward. The area, bustling with nightlife, had nine off-duty officers patrolling at the time of the incident.
Officers arrived to find a chaotic scene. Arleigh Alexzander Bryant, a 37-year-old employee of Encore Nightclub, was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound. Five others sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with three transported to local hospitals by emergency services and two others seeking medical attention on their own.
**Investigation and Evidence
The investigation progressed rapidly due to surveillance footage, body-worn camera evidence, and witness accounts. A security guard flagged down an off-duty CMPD officer, pointing to a silver BMW where the alleged shooter was believed to be. The officer approached the vehicle, which was stuck in traffic on East 6th Street, and identified Shawn Cannon as the driver. After a brief conversation, Cannon rolled up his window and fled the scene, initiating a pursuit.
Using the CMPD’s Real Time Crime Center, officers tracked the BMW via traffic cameras. Although the pursuing officer lost sight of the vehicle during the chase, it was later found abandoned at 5512 Harris Cove Drive. A search of the area uncovered a hat and a firearm hidden beneath the car. The hat was linked to Cannon through body camera footage from his earlier interaction with police, and the firearm was confirmed to have been reported stolen on June 22, 2025. Authorities are still investigating whether this weapon was used in the shooting.
Court documents allege that Cannon knowingly assisted the shooter, who has not yet been identified, by driving them away from the scene. Damien Evans was also reportedly in the vehicle during the attempted escape. While officers initially confronted Evans and the unidentified shooter at the scene, they were unaware of their involvement at the time.
**Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The shooting has heightened concerns about gun violence in Uptown Charlotte, prompting strong reactions from city leaders and residents. CMPD Deputy Chief Ryan Butler described the incident as “brazen and callous,” noting that surveillance footage showed suspects running past vehicles with lights on, underscoring the audacity of the act. City Councilmember Edwin Peacock III emphasized the need for a clear plan to address recurring violence, calling for transparency and accountability.
CMPD, with assistance from the Gastonia Police Department, continues to investigate the incident, including the possibility of additional suspects. Authorities are working to determine how convicted felons obtained the firearms involved and whether others were complicit in the events.
“This kind of senseless violence is unacceptable in our city,” a CMPD official stated. “We are fully committed to identifying all responsible parties and ensuring justice is served.”
**Remembering Arleigh Alexzander Bryant
Arleigh Alexzander Bryant, 37, was remembered as a beloved member of the Charlotte community and a dedicated employee at Encore Nightclub. Friends and family described him as kind-hearted and vibrant, with deep roots in the city. A memorial is being planned to honor his life, and loved ones have called for unity and an end to gun violence in his memory.
Encore Nightclub issued a statement clarifying that the shooting did not stem from any conflict inside their establishment, describing it as a “senseless act of gun violence” in the surrounding area. The club is cooperating fully with CMPD’s investigation.
**Call for Information
As the investigation continues, CMPD urges anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to homicide detectives at 704-432-8477 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or via the CMPD mobile app.
The community awaits further updates on court proceedings, potential additional arrests, and efforts to address gun violence in Charlotte’s vibrant Uptown district.
