Police reported four arrests in uptown Charlotte following Monday’s Fourth of July fireworks display, a marked contrast to the violent melee that occurred on Memorial Day, when 70 were arrested and two people were shot – one fatally -- in suspected gang violence.

As of 1 a.m. Tuesday, police had made one arrest for each of the following: trespassing, drugs, illegal fireworks display and disorderly conduct.

Eleven curfew violations were recorded in the center city.

In contrast, 21 people were arrested last July 4.

City leaders and police officials had said they were determined to deal quickly with uptown loiterers or early signs of trouble, and hundreds of law enforcement officers were stationed at street corners and the uptown transit center at 9:30 p.m., when the 20-minute fireworks display went off from Memorial Stadium.

Also making their presence known were volunteers from the group Men Who Care Global, which was organized last month by Charlotte construction executive Ron Leeper. Members said they wanted to model good behavior for African American youth.

At 3 p.m. Monday, about two dozen volunteers from the group took part in a training session at Trade and Tryon streets. Sitting under the hot sun, they were given advice and a pep talk from CMPD Capt. Jeff Estes, as well as directions from Men Who Care coordinators.

Leroy Wray, a school administrator, was one of the men taking part in the afternoon training session. He said the orange-T-shirt-clad men would "show how there is community amongst men."

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The Charlotte Observer contributed to this report.
 

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