A late-night “prank” in Charlotte took a dangerous turn when a boyfriend allegedly opened fire on a car carrying his girlfriend and her friends. What started as a misguided attempt at humor quickly escalated into a serious criminal case involving multiple felony charges and a police investigation.
What Happened on April 4
On the night of April 4, around 11:30 p.m., a woman and four friends were out getting food at Camp North End, a popular shopping and social destination. Afterward, the group drove to the 2700 block of Columbus Circle.
At that location, the woman and one of her friends came up with a plan to prank her boyfriend, Shyhied Ivey. They had been dating for about five months, and he had access to her location through his phone. The prank involved a male friend calling Ivey and pretending that he was romantically involved with the woman.
The call was made, and the prank seemed to go as planned at first. However, the situation quickly escalated once emotions took over.
Escalation on the Road
After the prank call, the group left Columbus Circle and began driving along Berryhill Road. Authorities say Ivey began following them in a black Nissan sedan, tailgating and behaving aggressively.
According to police reports, Ivey called his girlfriend while driving and was visibly angry. He allegedly drove recklessly, attempting to force the group to pull over. At one point, the woman reported seeing him fire what appeared to be a handgun into the air.
The situation intensified when both vehicles reached an intersection. Ivey allegedly pulled up beside the group’s red Nissan Altima and fired three shots into their car before speeding away.
Evidence and Police Findings
Officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the incident shortly after it occurred. The group met police roughly 10 minutes later at the Columbus Circle location.
Traffic camera footage played a key role in the investigation. Authorities reported that video captured the moment when the black Nissan pulled alongside the red Altima. The footage showed “three bright bursts,” consistent with gunfire, and the shots shattered glass in the victims’ vehicle.
Despite the severity of the incident, police confirmed that no one in the car was physically injured.
Additionally, one of the friends involved in the prank reported receiving a text message from Ivey around 1:32 a.m. that read “stop playin wimme bro.”
Charges Against the Suspect
Shyhied Ivey, 20, was arrested and booked into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. He now faces several serious charges, including five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle, domestic violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Authorities also confirmed that Ivey has a prior felony conviction, which makes his possession of a firearm illegal under state law.
He is scheduled to appear in court on April 23.
Incident Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Date & Time | April 4, ~11:30 p.m. |
| People Involved | Woman, 4 friends, Shyhied Ivey |
| Trigger Event | Prank phone call simulating cheating |
| Escalation | Following, reckless driving, gunfire |
| Shots Fired | 3 shots into vehicle |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Charges | Multiple felony charges |
| Court Date | April 23 |
Why This Incident Matters
This case shows how quickly a situation can spiral out of control when emotions and misunderstandings collide. What may seem like a harmless prank can trigger unpredictable and dangerous reactions, especially in close relationships where trust is involved.
It also highlights the risks associated with illegal firearm possession. When someone with a prior felony has access to a weapon, the potential for harm increases significantly, particularly in moments of anger.
The Charlotte shooting incident is a clear example of how small decisions can lead to serious consequences. A prank meant to create a reaction instead resulted in criminal charges and a dangerous encounter that could have ended much worse.
Even though no one was physically hurt, the incident serves as a warning about the risks of escalating situations for entertainment. Clear communication and responsible choices can prevent outcomes like this.
