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INSIDE ▼ Monroe attracts global firm PAGE 3A Friday, June 27, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 26
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Monroe holds homelessness roundtable with community leaders MONROE – The City of Monroe convened a roundtable discussion to explore next steps in tackling homelessness.
Representatives from the community, city council, city management, nonprofits, law enforcement
and members of Council Member Gary Anderson's Homeless and Addiction Committee gathered June 18 at Old Armory Community Center for a facilitator-led discussion on the state of homelessness in Monroe. “The city continues to provide
financial support through the local homeless shelter and public safety services as part of our commitment to helping those in need and keep the city safe,” Anderson said. “But to make a greater impact, the city must develop a broader, collaborative effort to address homelessness
more effectively. Together, we’re working towards sustainable solutions. The next step is to create a working group to provide recommendations to implement.” The discussion opened with a review of the city’s current efforts, highlighting programs and services
Town leaders bring up concerns with Matthews Alive organizers
already making a positive impact in Monroe. Participants examined service gaps, explored ways to improve inter-agency coordination and discussed strategies to build pathways to stable housing. Story continues, see MONROE page 3A
Suspects identified in assault and kidnapping INDIAN TRAIL – The Union County Sheriff’s Office has identified six suspects connected to a beating in late February in the 2200 block of Hayes Road in Indian Trail.
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Town leaders have expressed concerns with Matthews Alive organizers about changes to the Labor Day Weekend festival, including tweaks to the parade route and how proceeds are distributed to nonprofits.
The town has a vested interest in Matthews Alive, having contributed $37,132 to the festival this past fiscal year. Former Town Manager Becky Hawke recommended before her departure increasing that by 10% to $40,935. Festival organizers updated commissioners June 23 on this year’s event, scheduled for Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. Mayor John Higdon told organizers that commissioners would be voting on the festival allocation at their next meeting. “I can say that just because this festival has been around in its current form for 30 years and 20 years before that, that even a change like changing the parade route is going to be very controversial,” Higdon told organizers. “I’m sure you’re aware of that. There’s going to be a lot of people that don’t like it because since they were kids and people my age were kids, they’ve been
doing the same parade route for the last 50 years.” Brian Lee, a board member for the festival, said the parade will come down Trade Street, turn right onto West John Street and continue toward Christ Covenant Lane to disembark at Christ Covenant Church. The parade has traditionally continued along Trade Street until participants disembark at Matthews United Methodist Church. “We are offering a safer disembarkment for our parade participants,” Lee said. “They are going to be able to disembark and break down their floats on a closed street. They will also, when they are picked up, be able to reenter traffic safely and not have to cross this year.” Lee said the route change maintains the festival footprint and prevents the parade from having bottlenecks around Matthews Elementary School. Matthews Alive organizers also proposed allowing nonprofits not associated with the operations of the festival to get a cut of the proceeds. Traditionally, proceeds have been split among nonprofits that have volunteered at the festival. Lee told commissioners that groups will have to apply for a donation through the festival’s website. That process will go live in a few weeks. He
said this helps groups that previously were unable to participate due not not having a large group of volunteers. Commissioner John Urban told Lee that he had heard from a couple of nonprofits concerned about this particular change. Urban compared it to handing out welfare. “The purpose of Matthews Alive is for the nonprofits to be giving back to the community,” Urban said. “They put their time and talent on the line to do that and they supported this community because they loved it.” Urban also took issue with the change in parade route and the removal of children’s inflatables, adding that these changes felt abrupt. Lee said festival organizers identified fixed costs and insurance liabilities that could be removed to increase overall revenue for nonprofits. He said his group was happy to continue discussing it. Organizers have also come up with specific roles for volunteers. People interested in volunteering at the festival can email volunteerMatthewsAlive@gmail.com. Hidgon mentioned that former Town Manager Becky Hawke had sent the Matthews Alive board Story continues, see MATTHEWS page 3A
Armed man at apartment complex in custody MONROE – An armed man was taken into custody after a shooting incident at a Monroe apartment complex, according to a Monroe Police Department.
Police responded to a 911 call at 7:50 p.m. June 21 at the Nottingham Apartments on Castleberry Court for reports of a man shooting an assault rifle from a balcony. When officers arrived, the man retreated inside the second-story apartment but continued to shoot through the walls and floor. Officers evacuated the apartment building and called in the special response team and hostage negotiators. The special response team used drone technology and non-lethal options to eventually take the man into custody. At 10:25 p.m. David Chancey Lockhart, 51, was taken into custody and transported to Atrium Union to receive a mental health evaluation. No one was injured in the incident. Police said Lockhart will face criminal charges after his release from the hospital. “I’m thankful no residents and no law enforcement officers were injured or hurt, and that this incident was resolved in the male being taken
into custody without incident and he will be provided mental health services from certified medical personnel,” Chief Rhett Bolen said. “ I would also like to thank the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union EMS and Monroe Fire Department for their assistance.”
accomplice of the 16-year-old unintentionally shot him during the drive-by shooting on Skywatch Lane. If anyone has information regarding the shooting, call police at 704-282-4700 or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.
Police believe teen was shot during drive-by
Police make hit-and-run arrest
MONROE – A 16-year-old was shot during an overnight drive-by shooting, according to the Monroe Police Department. Police responded at 11:26 p.m. June 23 to the 600 block of Skywatch Lane for a shooting. Officers determined a vehicle stopped on Skywatch Lane and multiple individuals got out of the vehicle shooting into two homes, according to police. The people inside of those homes were not injured during the shooting. Monroe Police responded to Atrium Union at 11:39 p.m. for a report of a 16-year-old suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. The teenager was airlifted to a Charlotte area hospital. He was listed in stable condition on June 24. Detectives worked through the night to investigate the two incidents. Detectives believe an
MONROE – The Monroe Police Department arrested a China Grove man in connection to a hit-and-run fatality. Police responded at 1:03 a.m. June 22 to the intersection of West Roosevelt Boulevard and Morgan Mill Road for a report of a pedestrian who had been struck by a car. Officers found 59-year-old Carolina Sanche-Villa unconscious and not breathing. She died from her injuries despite life-saving efforts. Russell McCall Jr., 33, of China Grove, was arrested June 23 in Rowan County on charges of felony hit and run causing serious injury or death and driving while license revoked. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4700 or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.
Deputies discovered a male victim who had been severely beaten and left nude with his hands tied behind his back. The victim was transported to a hospital to treat significant injuries. Officials said the victim had been assaulted by multiple suspects, struck repeatedly in the head and body with a firearm, and forcibly placed in the trunk of a vehicle. He was later thrown out along Hayes Road in near 20-degree temperatures, without clothing and in an unfamiliar area. The victim was able to flag down a passerby, who called 911 for help. In the months since, detectives have identified six suspects. Officials said the suspects, all from outside Union County, are affiliated with a street gang and had gathered at a party at a temporary rental property in Weddington on the night of the incident. Jamaal Holley was arrested on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and kidnapping. Jackie Brown Jr., Kenijae Howard and Martell Johnson were each arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Jamari Grady and Natselane Mattison are still at large. They are wanted on charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. “This was an especially violent and senseless crime, and I am proud of the determination and support personnel to identify those responsible and seek justice for the victim,” Sheriff Eddie Cathey said. “Our commitment to the safety of this community is unwavering, and we will continue working until the remaining suspects are apprehended.” Anyone with information regarding the case or the location of the two remaining suspects should call 911, the sheriff's office at 704-2833789 or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.