Shooting leaves 1 man dead inside south Charlotte Mexican restaurant late Wednesday
A man working at a Mexican restaurant in southwest Charlotte was shot and killed late Wednesday, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.
The victim was identified as Juan Velazquez Hernandez, 37, and police said in an update that they do not know the motive.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police investigators said Thursday that they have charged Terrell Tarshawn Howard, 27, with the killing.
The incident happened about 9 p.m. Wednesday at the La Poblanita Bar and Grill at 1925 Westinghouse Boulevard, just east of South Tryon Street in the the Steele Creek area, police said.
Someone called 911 at 9:10 p.m. to report an assault with a deadly weapon, a release said.
“Upon arrival, officers located a male inside the restaurant who had been shot. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the release said.
“Detectives have determined that an adult male suspect entered the business and shot the victim. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown. At the time of this shooting, the victim was working for a business which had been hired by the restaurant to perform maintenance on some kitchen equipment.”
Investigators said tips lead them to issued a warrant for Howard’s arrest in this case, and he came to the Law Enforcement Center and “surrendered himself,” according to a press release. Records show he was arrested shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday.
He has been charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the release said.
Hernandez’s death marks the eighth homicide this year. Compared to this time last year, Charlotte had seen nine homicides.
A website for La Poblanita says it’s “family owned and operated since 2009” and includes a store that sells “traditional Mexican candy for any Pinata celebration.”
Police ask anyone with tips on the shooting to call 704-432-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
This story was originally published February 6, 2020 at 5:05 AM.
