Charlotte Man Accused of Firing Into Vehicle After Prank

Girlfriend and friend allegedly played a prank that led to shooting incident.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without words.A single spent bullet casing left behind after a reckless shooting incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of escalating conflicts with firearms.Charlotte Today

A 20-year-old Charlotte man has been charged with multiple counts, including assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, after allegedly firing three shots into a vehicle occupied by his girlfriend and four others following a prank gone wrong.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential for dangerous escalation when pranks or other perceived provocations involve firearms, especially in the hands of individuals with prior criminal records. It raises concerns about domestic violence, reckless use of guns, and the need for better intervention programs to address underlying issues.

The details

According to police, Shyhied Ivey's girlfriend, Naveah Covington, and a male friend decided to play a prank on Ivey by having the friend call Ivey and pretend to be cheating with Covington. After the prank, Covington shared her location with Ivey, who then allegedly began tailgating the vehicle with five people inside. Ivey reportedly fired shots into the air before pulling up next to the vehicle and firing three shots into it.

  • The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • Ivey was convicted of felony larceny of a motor vehicle in December 2023 and sentenced to 24 months probation.

The players

Shyhied Ivey

A 20-year-old Charlotte man who has been charged with multiple counts, including assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, after allegedly firing into a vehicle occupied by his girlfriend and four others.

Naveah Covington

Ivey's girlfriend, who was in the vehicle with four others when Ivey allegedly fired shots into the car.

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What’s next

Ivey is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail. A judge will determine whether to grant him bail at a hearing on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for better intervention programs and support systems to address underlying issues that can lead to violence, as well as the importance of responsible gun ownership and de-escalation tactics when confronted with perceived threats.