Six people, including four juveniles, are facing charges after a Fourth of July block party in North Charleston, South Carolina, descended into violence involving gunfire, a machine gun, a spear and alleged assaults on police officers, authorities said.
The North Charleston Police Department said the charges stem from the July 4 incident in the city’s Chicora-Cherokee community. Officials also identified two adults accused in connection with the disturbance.
The four juveniles are accused of offenses that include third-degree assault by mob, assaulting a police officer while resisting arrest, resisting arrest, possession of a machine gun and breach of peace, according to police.
Giovanni Mekhi Sincere Campbell, 19, was arrested following the July 4 block party in North Charleston’s Chicora-Cherokee community and has been charged with possession of a machine gun, police said. (North Charleston Police Department)
Police did not release the names of the juvenile suspects because of their ages.
Authorities said 19-year-old Giovanni Mekhi Sincere Campbell, of North Charleston, was arrested on a charge of possession of a machine gun. Sa’Mya Adriana Collette Weaver, 18, was also 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.
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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.
