Thugs Cause Mayhem in Uptown Charlotte Overnight!

Early this morning, after the Speed Street event ended, all chaos broke out in uptown Charlotte as CMPD Officers responded to several confrontations in the N College St. & E Trade St. area throughout the night.  Police say several groups of 50 or more people began fighting with each other and refused police commands to disperse.  Police say it is estimated that approximately 25,000 - 30,000 people were in the four block area of uptown- from the intersection of College Street and Trade Street.

CMPD also stated that additional groups of people gathered around the CATS' Transit Center who were not participating in any of the Speed Street events.  Approximately 70 arrests were made, including nearly 15 juvenile arrests.  The majority of the arrests were made for disorderly conduct, fighting, assault and impeding traffic.

CMPD Officers noted several people were flashing gang signs, challenging others as well as the police officers.  In addition, they were attempting to block sidewalks and impeding vehicle traffic. The center city was staffed with on-duty officers from the Central Division and officers working in a secondary employment capacity for the 'Speed Street' event.  Based upon the disruptions, additional pre-staged Civil Emergency Unit Officers were called in from surrounding divisions to assist in managing the crowds.

It looks like Charlotte's 'near riot' made the 'Drudge Report' today:

** If you think the fights downtown (or elsewhere in Charlotte) are a random occurrence, check out some of the video coverage posted online.  It is especially disheartening to see so many videos of violence in our schools as well as the lack of respect for Police Officers by so many Charlotteans.  Wake up people!!!  (Special thanks to Cedar Posts & Barbwire Fences blog) for some of the links provided:

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