Suspect identified in crime spree that ended in fatal shootout with police near Uptown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police have identified the suspect accused in a crime spree from Thursday that involved a fatal shooting, kidnapping, police chase, and shootout with officers.

The suspect is 28-year-old Joseph Andrade, according to CMPD. Investigators say Andrade was killed in a shootout with police in west Charlotte.

Andrade allegedly shot and killed 38-year-old Justin Carlton and another person who is currently in critical condition around 4pm on N. Hoskins Road, according to police. This shooting was reportedly the start of the chaotic events that followed.

Full details of the crime spree:

Around 4pm on October 23rd, officers responded to North Hoskins Road in northwest Charlotte in regards to a shooting. Two victims were located at the scene. Both were transported to the hospital where one was pronounced dead and the other is in critical condition, according to first responders.

In the same area, officers received a call about an alleged kidnapping and home invasion. During the home invasion, the suspect is accused of kidnapping the homeowner and taking her vehicle.

A short time later, officers located the vehicle involved in the kidnapping. A vehicle pursuit ensued, and the suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds at the officers, striking the police cars, according to police.

The crime spree caused several vehicle crashes and road closures between northwest and west Charlotte.

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said the suspect crashed the kidnapping victim’s vehicle at Freedom Drive and Morehead Street. The suspect is accused of getting out of the vehicle and firing shots at CMPD officers, Jennings said. While running from the scene, Jennings said the suspect continued to fire shots at CMPD officers.

After an exchange of gunfire with officers, the suspect was killed, Jennings said.

No officers were injured in the shootout, but Jennings said four officers were transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

Police said the firearm the suspect was using has been recovered.

The State Bureau of Investigation will be taking over the investigation of the officer-involved shooting. CMPD will be investigating the initial homicide and shooting that happened on North Hoskins Road.