Joseph Andrade, Justin Westbrooks Carlton Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Charlotte have provided details about a tragic and chaotic series of events that unfolded Thursday, ending in the death of a suspect following a police pursuit. The chain of incidents began with reports of gunfire and quickly escalated into a multi-scene investigation involving a kidnapping, a police chase, and an exchange of gunfire.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Joseph Andrade. One of the victims has been named as 38-year-old Justin Westbrooks Carlton, who was found with life-threatening injuries and later passed away. Another individual was seriously injured and remains in critical condition.
CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said the first call for assistance came in around 4 p.m. when officers were dispatched to North Hoskins Road in response to a report of a shooting. When they arrived, officers discovered two victims who had sustained serious injuries. Both were rushed to the hospital, but sadly, one did not survive. The case is being investigated as both a homicide and an assault with a deadly weapon.
A short time later, police received information indicating that the suspect, later identified as Andrade, had allegedly forced a woman into a car and taken off. The woman was believed to have been abducted at gunpoint, prompting an immediate police pursuit. Officers began tracking the vehicle as it moved through northwest Charlotte.
During the chase, investigators say Andrade fired several shots at responding officers, striking multiple patrol cars. CMPD confirmed that no officers were physically harmed during the encounter, though several vehicles sustained damage. The pursuit eventually came to an end when Andrade’s vehicle crashed near Freedom Drive and Morehead Street, causing a temporary road closure in the area.
After the crash, Andrade reportedly fled the vehicle on foot and continued to fire shots as officers pursued him. CMPD officers returned fire, striking the suspect. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police confirmed that the kidnapped woman escaped unharmed and is now safe.
Chief Jennings described the situation as “an incredibly dangerous and fast-moving event” and praised officers for their professionalism under pressure. He added that the woman’s safe recovery was the result of quick decision-making and coordination among responding officers.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has been notified and is reviewing the officer-involved shooting, as is standard protocol in such cases. CMPD’s Internal Affairs Division will also conduct a parallel investigation to ensure all procedures were properly followed.
Police have not yet released the number of officers who discharged their weapons or the total number of shots fired during the encounter. Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and that evidence from all scenes—including the initial shooting, the kidnapping, and the pursuit—is being thoroughly reviewed.
Detectives are still working to establish a possible motive behind the events that began on North Hoskins Road. Early information suggests that Andrade may have known at least one of the victims, but officials have not yet confirmed the nature of their relationship.
CMPD has asked anyone with additional information, witness accounts, or video footage from any of the locations involved to contact the department’s Homicide Unit or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
By Thursday evening, several blocks around Freedom Drive and Morehead Street remained closed as investigators processed the scene and collected evidence. Police have since reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety and that all individuals involved in the incident have been accounted for.
The CMPD said further updates will be released as new information becomes available. This case marks one of several officer-involved shootings under investigation in Charlotte this year, all of which are being reviewed according to state and departmental policies.
