CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Four people have been charged after a shooting sparked by road rage broke out in front of a CMS bus carrying students Tuesday, CMPD said.

The violent incident happened shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, in the 1600 block of West Boulevard.

CMPD said shots were fired from a black Dodge Charger as a result of road rage. The shooting happened near a CMS bus that was transporting students home from Quail Hollow Middle School.

The school bus had been traveling in the same direction as the Dodge Charger on West Boulevard near Remount Road, CMPD said. The bus was not struck and no injuries were reported. All students made it home safely before 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, CMS said.

One vehicle that was occupied by another driver was struck by gunfire. The victim was not injured and there was no return gunfire to the Dodge Charger, CMPD said.

CMPD officers were able to locate the Dodge Charger around 10 p.m. Tuesday. The driver refused to pull over and a short chase began that lasted about 10 minutes, police said. The chase ended on Old Pineville Road Tuesday night and five people were taken into custody at that time.

Two firearms were seized from the vehicle, including one that was reported stolen. Four of the five people taken into custody have been charged in this incident, CMPD said.

The four suspects have been identified as Fredrick Dickson, 21, Messiyah McManus, 19, Timmie Smith, 19, and Arthur Kirkpatrick, 21. The charges are as follows:

• Dickson: Discharging a Firearm into a Moving Vehicle, Resist/Delay/Obstructing Officers, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Felony Speeding to Elude.
• McManus: Discharging a Firearm into a Moving Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Resist/Delay/Obstructing Officers.
• Smith: Discharging a Firearm into a Moving Vehicle, Resist/Delay/Obstructing Officers.
• Kirkpatrick: Discharging a Firearm into a Moving Vehicle, Resist/Delay/Obstructing Officers.

Quail Hollow principal McNeil sent the following message to families:

Good evening families, This is Principal McNeil calling to make you aware of an incident that took place near your student’s bus. Your student and the bus driver are physically safe and will be home as soon as possible. We have very little confirmed information; however, the police are currently investigating the matter. 

We will have counselors at school check in with students in the morning to care for their emotional well-being. Thank you, as always, for your partnership to care for our students. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any specific questions or needs related to your student.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing.