Crime
17-year-old Jaleek Mitchell killed in shooting near Romare Bearden Park in Charlotte

Tragedy struck uptown Charlotte on Saturday night as 17-year-old Jaleek Mitchell was fatally shot at Romare Bearden Park.
The incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. on November 2, when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to reports of gunfire in the park area.
Upon arrival, officers found Mitchell suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel transported him to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A section of the park and South Church Street were cordoned off while police investigated the scene, with multiple CMPD officers actively working to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Romare Bearden Park has been the focus of CMPD’s efforts to curb crime over the past year, particularly through “Operation TRIO,” which has targeted several high-profile areas with heightened crime rates.
The park has previously been the site of a violent July 4th altercation and a New Year’s Eve shooting that left five people injured. CMPD Major Bret Balamucki, speaking earlier this year, acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve the area’s safety: “We constantly battle the perception of safety. Even one incident can change how people feel when they come here with family or friends.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the Homicide Unit at 704-432-TIPS or to share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
Crime
Officer-Involved Shooting in Bartow Leaves Three Injured, Including Two Officers

BARTOW, FL — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 120 Polk Street East in Bartow.
The incident resulted in three individuals sustaining gunshot wounds, including a Bartow Police Department (BPD) officer, a public safety aide (PSA) officer, and the suspect involved.
Emergency medical services were immediately requested at the scene to provide critical aid to all three gunshot victims.
The conditions of the injured individuals have not yet been released.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Law enforcement officials have secured the area as forensic teams and investigators begin processing the scene.
Additional information, including the identities of those involved and any potential charges, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to continue their response efforts without obstruction.