David Chancey Lockhart Arrest – Armed Standoff at Monroe, NC Apartment Ends Peacefully After Man Fires Assault Rifle from Balcony and Barricades Himself Inside, Prompting SWAT Response, Evacuations, and Widespread Community Concern
Monroe, NC — June 21, 2025 — A tense and potentially devastating incident unfolded Saturday night at the Nottingham Apartments in Monroe, North Carolina, when a man was seen firing an assault rifle from the balcony of a second-story apartment. The alarming situation prompted an immediate and extensive police response, leading to a prolonged standoff and the eventual arrest of a 51-year-old man now identified as David Chancey Lockhart. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and law enforcement successfully de-escalated the event without further violence.
According to officials with the Monroe Police Department, the first emergency calls were received shortly after 9 p.m., reporting gunfire coming from a residential complex on Castleberry Court. Eyewitnesses stated that they observed a man standing on his balcony, holding what appeared to be a high-powered firearm and firing multiple rounds into the air and potentially toward nearby wooded areas. Residents of the complex were immediately urged to seek shelter as officers responded with urgency.
Upon arrival, police confirmed the man was still in possession of the weapon and was located on the second floor of one of the buildings. He reportedly refused to comply with verbal commands to disarm and surrender. Instead, the man retreated into his apartment, where he barricaded himself inside, initiating a dangerous standoff that would last for hours.
The Monroe Police Department quickly activated its Special Response Team (SRT), while also enlisting support from neighboring agencies, including Union County Sheriff’s deputies and emergency medical personnel. The apartment building and surrounding units were swiftly evacuated as a precaution. Nearby residents were transported to safety, and others were asked to remain indoors and away from windows.
Negotiators were brought in to attempt communication with the suspect, who remained inside the unit, occasionally shouting through windows but refusing to come out. Authorities used a combination of phone contact, loudspeakers, and text messages in an effort to convince the man to surrender peacefully. These negotiations continued into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Throughout the ordeal, police exercised extreme caution due to the presence of the firearm and the unpredictable behavior of the suspect. Drone surveillance and armored vehicles were employed to maintain visual contact and contain the scene without escalating the situation further. After hours of effort, the suspect was eventually persuaded to exit the apartment and was taken into custody without incident.
The man, identified as a 51-year-old Monroe resident, was immediately detained and transported to the Union County Jail. Police have confirmed that multiple firearms were recovered from the apartment, including the assault-style rifle allegedly used during the initial phase of the confrontation. He now faces a range of serious charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment, and unlawful discharge of a firearm within city limits.
While the incident ended without loss of life or injuries, officials and residents alike have expressed concern about the potential for tragedy. Many neighbors described the scene as surreal and frightening, especially given the high volume of gunfire that rang out before police arrived. One resident, who was evacuated with her children, described the terror of crouching inside her apartment while waiting for officers to escort them to safety.
Monroe Police Chief Bryan Gilliard praised the swift and disciplined response by officers, negotiators, and partner agencies who worked tirelessly to resolve the situation without resorting to force. “This could have ended much differently,” he said in a press conference Sunday morning. “Thanks to the courage and professionalism of our officers, as well as the cooperation of the community, we were able to bring this to a peaceful resolution. Our priority was the safety of every person in that building and in the neighborhood, and we are relieved that no one was harmed.”
The motive behind the suspect’s actions remains unclear. Authorities are currently conducting a comprehensive investigation, including interviews with family members and witnesses, a review of any available surveillance footage, and a forensic examination of the recovered weapons. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of mental health issues playing a role in the incident, and they are working to determine whether the man had any prior criminal history or prior interactions with law enforcement.
In the wake of the standoff, local officials and residents are calling for increased awareness around mental health resources and gun safety. Some community members are advocating for stronger regulations on the possession and storage of high-powered firearms, particularly in densely populated residential areas. Others are urging for improved mental health outreach programs that might help identify individuals in crisis before they reach the point of violence.
This incident has sparked renewed attention on the risks posed by unregulated access to firearms and the pressing need for coordinated community support systems that can respond to early warning signs of dangerous behavior. Mental health professionals have also emphasized the importance of community education, de-escalation strategies, and strong social safety nets to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
As residents return to their homes and begin the process of healing from the trauma of the night, community leaders have offered counseling resources and hotlines for anyone who may have been affected. School officials and local faith-based organizations have also offered to support children and families who may have witnessed the chaos or experienced fear and confusion during the lockdown.
Though the suspect is now in custody and facing serious legal consequences, many questions remain. Investigators are working diligently to understand what triggered the outburst of violence and whether others were at risk. Monroe police continue to urge the public to report any suspicious behavior or signs that someone may be struggling with violent ideations or mental health crises.
The peaceful resolution of this dangerous standoff is being viewed as a testament to the value of crisis negotiation, patience, and community cooperation. At the same time, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of early intervention, the reality of gun violence in America, and the challenges law enforcement faces in resolving high-stakes incidents without bloodshed.
The residents of Monroe, though shaken, remain resilient. In the days ahead, the community is expected to rally together to support one another, demand answers, and push for measures that prioritize safety, mental wellness, and the prevention of future threats.
Ultimately, this harrowing event at the Nottingham Apartments has left a lasting impression—a night of fear, a relief at peaceful resolution, and an ongoing conversation about how communities can protect themselves, intervene earlier, and ensure such danger never again threatens their neighborhoods.
Leave a Reply