A tumultuous Fourth of July block party in North Charleston, South Carolina spiraled into havoc when gunfire erupted, involving a machine gun and even a spear, culminating in an altercation with police officers. This chaos has now led to charges being filed against six individuals, which includes four juveniles, as disclosed by authorities.
Announcing these developments, the North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) revealed the charges against six people, identifying two adults implicated in the incident on July 4 within the Chicora-Cherokee community.
The charges against the juveniles are serious, with accusations including third-degree assault by mob, assaulting a police officer while resisting arrest, resisting arrest itself, possession of a machine gun, and breach of peace.
Among those arrested was Giovanni Mekhi Sincere Campbell, aged 19, who faces charges of possessing a machine gun following the July 4 block party in the Chicora-Cherokee area of North Charleston, as confirmed by police. (North Charleston Police Department)
Due to their status as juveniles, the police have not released the identities of the young individuals involved.
Authorities also arrested 19-year-old Giovanni Mekhi Sincere Campbell, of North Charleston, who is charged with possession of a machine gun, and 18-year-old Sa’Mya Adriana Collette Weaver, who is charged with breach of peace and assault on a police officer while resisting arrest.
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Police said the investigation remains active, and additional arrests and charges are possible.
The confrontation unfolded after officers responded to a city-permitted neighborhood block party in the Chicora-Cherokee community at about 8:30 p.m. on July 4.
Sa’Mya Adriana Collette Weaver, 18, faces charges of breach of peace and assault on a police officer while resisting arrest after the July 4 incident in North Charleston, police said. (North Charleston Police Department)
Earlier that day, police leadership met with event organizers to discuss traffic and parking plans to ensure emergency vehicles could safely access the area if needed.
Officers initially received reports of people firing fireworks toward passing vehicles before learning that several attendees had begun discharging firearms, according to police.
Authorities said officers repeatedly announced that the event had ended and instructed attendees to leave in an effort to de-escalate the situation.
Despite those efforts, multiple fights broke out and additional gunshots were fired, prompting officers to exit their patrol vehicles to separate those involved and restore order.
During the response, officers recovered multiple firearms, including what investigators described as a machine gun, as well as a makeshift spear.
North Charleston police recovered what they described as a makeshift spear during their response to a Fourth of July block party that erupted into gunfire, fights and assaults on officers. (North Charleston Police Department)
Police said multiple officers were assaulted during the incident, with two female officers suffering minor injuries. Following the incident, the department said, “Attacks on law enforcement are unacceptable and those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Viral video from the scene shows a female officer attempting to detain a woman when several people rush in, pull the officer to the ground and begin striking her.
Another officer intervenes, deploying what appears to be a stun gun before helping restrain individuals involved in the attack.
North Charleston police displayed firearms, magazines and other evidence recovered after a Fourth of July block party where officers were attacked and multiple arrests were made. (North Charleston Police Department)
Police have not said whether any of the recovered firearms were discharged during the incident or whether the makeshift spear was used in the assaults.
Authorities said no civilians reported injuries.
The North Charleston Police Department thanked members of the community who assisted officers during the violence, as well as responding agencies including the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Investigators continue to examine the shootings and other criminal activity connected to the incident.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the North Charleston Police Department through its CRIMEWATCH app.