Police have charged two men after a Medic ambulance was struck by a stray bullet early Thursday while transporting a patient through uptown Charlotte.
The incident happened around 2:20 a.m. in the 400 block of East Trade Street. Medic said the bullet hit the passenger-side door near the lower window frame but did not enter the cab.
No one was hurt, and officials said there is no evidence the ambulance was targeted. The crew diverted to a nearby police station before another unit arrived to complete the patient’s transport.
CMPD said officers working off-duty nearby at the Midnight Diner identified a suspect vehicle through witness testimony and surveillance video. Three people were detained during a traffic stop.
Detevin Raheem Butts, 30, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, felony conspiracy, possession of a firearm by a felon, and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. He was also served with an out-of-state warrant.
Jaquarius Hykeem Mingo, 27, faces similar charges of assault with a deadly weapon, felony conspiracy and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle.
A third person, Ray Xavier Byrd, 28, was cited for carrying a concealed weapon and released.
In a statement, Mecklenburg EMS Executive Director John Peterson thanked Charlotte-Mecklenburg police and said the incident highlights the risks EMS crews face daily while serving the community.
"While risk is a part of what Medic faces every day, the courage and commitment our crews show in confronting those risks to care for other deserves recognition," Peterson said.
