On July 13, 2023, Sergeant Scottie Paul Carson, aged 51, was found deceased in a parking lot on Poplar Tent Church Road in Huntersville, North Carolina. Sergeant Carson, a dedicated member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), had served the community since April 2011, following a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Marine Corps. During his tenure with CMPD, he was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and was most recently assigned to the Crime Gun Suppression Team.
Reports indicate that Sergeant Carson died by suicide, having sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Prior to the incident, he reportedly contacted 911, after which he ended the call and took his own life. Investigations revealed that Sergeant Carson had a history of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, conditions possibly linked to his military service, which included tours in Iraq and participation in Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, no suspects were sought, nor were any arrests made, as the death was conclusively determined to be self-inflicted. The community mourned the loss of a committed officer, husband, father, and grandfather. Sergeant Carson is survived by his wife of 33 years, Michelle, their four children, and eight grandchildren. A memorial service was held on July 19, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte to honor his life and service.
