CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department identified a 16-year-old boy who was killed in a shooting at a popular shopping center in Midtown.
The shooting happened just before 8 p.m. Wednesday on Metropolitan Avenue in the Target parking deck.
When police arrived, they said they found the teen, Alexander Cruz Martinez, with several gunshot wound.
MEDIC said they took the teen, to a hospital where he died.
The teen was meeting someone to buy a gun when he was killed, a source told Channel 9.
“It breaks my heart for him,” said shopper Andrea McGuire. “It breaks my heart for his family and his mother.”
She said it’s sad but she was not shocked by the crime.
“That really doesn’t surprise me because crime in Charlotte has gotten all the way out of control,” she told Channel 9.
McGuire said she will change the way she shops in Midtown.
“I will not be coming here at night after hearing that story,” McGuire said.
Shopper Curtis Johnson said he was surprised that the crime happened at the popular shopping center.
“That is surprising to hear. I don’t come here often, but when I come here it is a friendly place, so that’s insane,” Johnson said.
There is no word on arrests.
CMPD says this is an active investigation. They’re asking anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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