12-year-old among nearly 30 people arrested in uptown on Fourth of July, CMPD says

Nearly 30 people were arrested during and after the America 250: Charlotte festivities in uptown, and most of them were under age 18, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

Preliminary data shows “no major events” or acts of violence were connected to the family-friendly event, which was staged at Romare Bearden Park from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“The 19 juveniles who were arrested ranged in age from 12 to 17 years old,” CMPD said in a news release. “Their charges include curfew violation, affray, possession of pyrotechnics, carrying a concealed weapon, resist/delay/obstruct (arrest).”

Details of charges against the 12-year-old were not released.

The nine adult suspects ranged in age from 18 to 35, and were charged with offenses including: resisting, delaying, obstructing an arrest; possession of pyrotechnics; carrying a concealed weapon; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia, and having an open container of alcoholic beverage, police said.

In addition to the 28 arrests, eight parents were cited for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, police said.

CMPD “deployed a robust safety initiative” in uptown from 2 p.m. Saturday until 3 a.m. Sunday, including officers patrolling the area in vehicles, on bikes and on foot.

The celebration happened in the midst of a heat wave, with a high of 100 degrees and a heat index of 107. A heat advisory was issued, warning temperatures could be dangerous.

Medic ambulance staff responded to 11 heat-related emergencies Saturday, according to a social media post.

This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 5:44 AM.