Shelton Smith Convicted of Attempted First-Degree Murder for Shooting at CMPD Officers

The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office has announced the conviction of 36-year-old Shelton Smith for attempted first-degree murder after he shot at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers over three years ago. Following a weeklong trial, a jury found Smith guilty of the charge, bringing closure to a case that had its roots in a violent incident from 2021.

The incident took place on May 27, 2021, when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) detectives were investigating an armed robbery at a motel on Reagan Drive. During the robbery, three suspects held up two victims. The investigation quickly led detectives to identify a Mercury Grand Marquis as the suspect vehicle and to pinpoint two of the three individuals involved. The breakthrough came when detectives located the vehicle at another motel on Old Interstate Road, where they also identified Shelton Smith as the third suspect.

Upon attempting to arrest Smith, he fled the scene, initiating a chase that ended in gunfire. Smith began shooting at the pursuing officers, prompting one officer to return fire. Smith was injured in the exchange, which facilitated his arrest. The officer’s actions were later deemed justified, and no officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.

In addition to the attempted murder conviction, Smith faced charges of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm and being an armed habitual felon. Smith’s initial trial in 2022 resulted in a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict. However, during the recent trial, the jury found Smith guilty on all three counts.

This conviction brings some resolution to a dangerous and tense incident that had significant implications for community safety and police operations. The other two suspects involved in the 2021 armed robbery have already been convicted for their roles in the crime, underscoring the thorough efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to address the violence.

The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing the importance of accountability and justice in cases involving violent crimes against law enforcement officers. The conviction of Shelton Smith serves as a reminder of the risks officers face in the line of duty and the community’s collective resolve to uphold the rule of law.