A disturbing series of social media videos has landed a Charlotte man behind bars after police say one of the clips appeared to show him punching a woman in the face during an altercation in the city’s South End.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, 32-year-old Di-Quan Schafar Hunt was arrested Thursday after investigators were alerted to multiple videos circulating online that allegedly showed him assaulting or harassing several people.
The case reportedly began after officers were called to the East 4th Street area in Uptown. While speaking with police, people reportedly directed investigators toward a social media account containing several videos involving Hunt.
One of the videos allegedly captured an incident that happened July 30 near East Boulevard in Charlotte’s South End. Police say the footage appeared to show Hunt punching a woman on a sidewalk.
Authorities said the woman suffered injuries that were considered serious but not life-threatening.
The video quickly became part of the investigation as detectives worked to identify the people involved and determine exactly what happened before and after the alleged assault.
What made the situation even more concerning for investigators was that the South End incident was reportedly not the only troubling video connected to the account.
Police said they reviewed additional social media footage that appeared to show Hunt involved in other incidents involving members of the public. Investigators ultimately moved forward with an arrest.
Hunt was taken into custody Thursday evening.
He is facing a charge of assault with a deadly weapon, according to police. Authorities said he was taken to a medical facility and is expected to be transferred to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
The case has sparked reactions online as clips connected to the investigation continue making the rounds on social media.
For many people watching the footage, the incident raises questions about how quickly confrontations recorded for social media can escalate — and how viral videos can ultimately become evidence in criminal investigations.
South End is one of Charlotte’s busiest and most popular areas, making the alleged sidewalk assault especially alarming to residents and people who frequent the neighborhood.
Police have not suggested that every video circulating online tells the complete story, and an arrest is not a conviction. Hunt will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations in court.
Still, the case is another example of how social media footage can put alleged incidents directly in front of investigators — sometimes turning a viral clip into the starting point for a criminal case.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to determine whether additional charges or allegations could follow.