Homicide detectives identified Robert McClinton (DOB 07/24/1989) as the shooter in the Conference Drive Shooting that occurred yesterday, August 27. McClinton already had outstanding warrants for Felony Hit and Run and Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury for an unrelated incident that occurred on August 20. 

Independence Division officers located McClinton this afternoon and arrested him after a brief foot chase. He was arrested in the 7300 Block of Creekwood Quorum Drive.   Officers also charged McClinton with Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Resisting Arrest and Trespassing as a result of today’s encounter. 

McClinton was transported to CMPD headquarters and interviewed by Homicide detectives.  Homicide detectives charged McClinton with Attempted Murder and Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury stemming from the Conference Drive Shooting. 

The 16 year old victim, Mr. Omari Waldron, is currently listed as stable, but guarded condition.

Detectives interviewed numerous witnesses yesterday, but are asking that other witnesses please call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly with a Homicide detective.  People can also call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600.

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August 27, 2008

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department detectives are investigating the shooting of a young man as he walked along the 6000 block of Conference Drive.  The young man was walking with a friend along the sidewalk at about 2:30 p.m., on August 27, 2008, when the shooting occurred.  The victim has been identified as Omari Waldron, 16 years old. 

Independence Division officers responded to a call for service regarding someone shot on Conference Drive.  Upon arrival, they located Mr. Waldron lying in the grass alongside the sidewalk.  Mr. Waldron had been shot at least once and was transported to Carolinas Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.   

According to initial witness statements, the suspect crossed over Conference Drive and shot the victim.  There does not appear to be any indication as to why the suspect crossed the street to confront the victim.  The suspect is described as a dark skinned black male in his late teens, about 6 feet tall, 170 lbs, average build, with shoulder length dreads, wearing dark baggy pants, a black shirt with red and white designs on it and a red hat.  The suspect was last seen fleeing the area on foot. 

Detectives have noted that there were possibly as many as 20 witnesses in this case that ran from the area when the shots were fired.  Detectives are asking those witnesses and anyone with information regarding this case to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.  Detectives are working to identify the individual involved in the shooting and are continuing to process the scene for physical evidence.