Four-Year-Old Boy Killed in Drive-by Shooting While Asleep in North Carolina
A four-year-old boy was fatally shot during a drive-by in Charlotte, NC. Police arrested five suspects in the violent incident.
POLICY WIRE — Charlotte, North Carolina — A four-year-old boy was killed and an adult woman injured after a violent drive-by shooting in Charlotte, North Carolina, according to police reports.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning on Grassy Patch Lane when a group of seven individuals arrived in stolen vehicles and fired at least 84 bullets into four homes, including the residence of Caleb Flax, who was asleep in his bed.
Caleb, who was set to begin school soon, was struck in the head by a bullet and taken to the hospital, where he later died. His mother, Bryanna Flax, described the trauma of witnessing the attack, while his grandfather praised his bright personality and impact on those around him.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has arrested five individuals—four teenagers and one adult—in connection with the shooting. The department called the incident “an act of unthinkable violence” and emphasized its commitment to bringing all responsible parties to justice.
The arrested teens include Ar’montae Johnson, Jaylen Vontae Barber, Antonio Kahron Ladson, and Ian Garland, all charged with murder, attempted murder, and other offenses. Terrance Jackson, the adult suspect, faces accessory charges. Evidence linking the suspects to the crime included GPS data from a phone connected to a stolen Mercedes and a firearm found at Ladson’s home.
Community members have organized memorials for Caleb, including a balloon release event and a GoFundMe campaign to support his family. The tragedy has left his mother, Bryanna, deeply affected as she copes with the loss of her only child.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
