Man arrested after firing assault rifle from Monroe apartment balcony

MONROE, N.C. – A man is custody after shooting an assault rifle from the balcony of an apartment complex in Monroe on Saturday night, according to the Monroe Police Department.

Just before 8 p.m., officers responded to the Nottingham Apartments off Castleberry Court in regards to a man shooting an assault rifle from a balcony.

Upon arrival, the man, 51-year-old David Lockhart, retreated inside his second-story apartment where he continued to shoot through the walls and floor, officials said. The apartment building was quickly evacuated.

Police said the man was taken into custody after drones and non-lethal options were successfully deployed.

No one was injured during the incident.

“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,” Chief Bolen stated. “I would also like to thank the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union EMS, and Monroe Fire Department for their assistance.”

Lockhart was transported to Atrium Union to receive a mental health evaluation. He will face criminal charges once released from the hospital, police said.