Charlotte, NC – A tragic shooting in midtown Charlotte claimed the life of 16-year-old Alexander Cruz Martinez on Wednesday evening, leaving a community shaken and police searching for answers. The incident happened around 8 p.m. inside the parking deck of a Target store on the 900 block of Metropolitan Avenue, a busy area known for its shops, restaurants, and apartments.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), an off-duty officer monitoring his radio heard the emergency call and quickly rushed to the scene. He found Martinez suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the parking deck. The officer immediately performed first aid until MEDIC units arrived. Despite their efforts to save him, Martinez was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
“This is a heartbreaking case involving a young victim whose life ended far too soon,” said CMPD Major Stephen Fischbach. He assured the public that detectives are devoting significant resources to identify the shooter and bring them to justice. Fischbach also urged anyone with information to come forward, stressing that even the smallest detail could help investigators solve the case.
The shooting stunned Charlotte residents, especially since the violence unfolded in a heavily frequented part of the city. Families and young people often visit the Metropolitan Avenue area, and the incident has sparked renewed concerns about safety in public spaces. CMPD has increased patrols in the Midtown district and is working to gather surveillance video and interview potential witnesses.
At this time, police have not identified a suspect or revealed a possible motive. Investigators have not said whether Martinez was specifically targeted or if the shooting was random. Still, the teenager’s death has deeply affected his family and friends, with community members beginning to organize small gatherings in his memory. His loss, many say, reflects a larger issue of rising gun violence among young people in Charlotte.
As detectives continue piecing together the events leading up to the shooting, the city is left mourning a young life cut tragically short. “This young man deserved a chance at life,” Fischbach said. “The family deserves justice, and we owe it to the victim to do everything we can.” For now, Charlotte grieves together, holding onto hope that justice will be served for Alexander Cruz Martinez.