CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two men have been arrested in connection with the tragic mass shooting in Uptown Charlotte that claimed the life of 37-year-old Arleigh Alexzander Bryant and left five others wounded in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 13, 2025. According to newly released court documents, 24-year-old Shawn Cannon and 25-year-old Damien Evans were taken into custody and booked into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center on Tuesday night.
The men now face multiple serious charges, including firearm-related felonies and evasion of law enforcement. Both are currently being held without bond, underscoring the severity of the case and the ongoing threat authorities believe they may pose to the community.
Charges and Arrest Details
Shawn Cannon, 24, is facing 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
These arrests come amid growing frustration and heartbreak in Charlotte as residents demand answers and accountability in the aftermath of the mass shooting that unfolded in the heart of the city’s entertainment district.
The Night of the Shooting
Around 2:00 a.m. on July 13, officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to urgent reports of shots fired near the 300 block of North College Street, an area crowded with patrons outside nearby nightclubs. Several CMPD officers were working off-duty security in the area at the time of the incident.
Upon arrival, officers found a chaotic scene. Arleigh Alexzander Bryant, a 37-year-old local resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. Five others sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals. The extent of their injuries has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Eyewitnesses and Surveillance Lead to Suspects
Key developments in the investigation came swiftly, thanks to observations from off-duty officers, surveillance footage, and body-worn camera evidence.
One officer working outside the club reported seeing Damien Evans holding a pistol with an extended magazine. The officer was able to disarm Evans on the spot. Shortly after, another officer was flagged down by a witness who pointed to a silver BMW that one of the shooters had allegedly entered.
The officer approached the vehicle, identifying Shawn Cannon as the driver and Evans as the passenger. A brief exchange occurred before Cannon rolled up the window and fled from the scene via 6th Street. The Real Time Crime Center began tracking the BMW using traffic surveillance cameras.
Despite an officer catching up and attempting a traffic stop, Cannon refused to stop, initiating a high-speed chase. Around 2:45 a.m., the BMW was discovered abandoned at 5512 Harris Cove Drive. During a search of the area, detectives found a hat and a firearm hidden beneath the car. The hat was a crucial piece of evidence, as Cannon had been wearing it during his interaction with officers near the scene, as confirmed by body cam footage.
The firearm was later determined to be stolen, having been reported missing by a man on June 22, 2025. It remains under investigation whether this weapon was used in the shooting.
Citywide Response and Ongoing Investigation
The mass shooting has intensified community concern and placed renewed scrutiny on gun violence in Uptown Charlotte. City leaders and CMPD officials expressed deep frustration in the wake of the violence, vowing to pursue justice swiftly and transparently.
CMPD continues to investigate the full circumstances of the incident, including any additional suspects or accomplices, and how the weapons came into the hands of convicted felons.
“This kind of reckless and tragic violence has no place in our city,” said one official. “We are committed to finding every responsible party and holding them accountable.”
Remembering Arleigh Alexzander Bryant
While legal proceedings begin, family and friends of Arleigh Bryant are left to grieve the sudden and senseless loss of a loved one. Bryant, 37, was remembered as a kind-hearted man with a vibrant spirit and deep ties to the community. A memorial is being planned, and loved ones have called for peace and unity in his honor.
As the investigation continues, Queen City News will provide timely updates on court appearances, additional charges, and community responses.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or submit tips anonymously through the CMPD mobile app.
RELATED COVERAGE:
- CMPD and City Leaders React to Uptown Shooting Tragedy
- Who Was Arleigh Alexzander Bryant? A Life Cut Short
- Gun Violence in Uptown: A Timeline of Recent Incidents
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