Gunfire Erupts at Forest City Car Show — Teen Jaden Critically Wounded After Rejecting Race Offer; Suspect Identified as Christian Campbell
Forest City, NC — A Friday night car meet at the Forest City Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) descended into chaos and tragedy when a teenager, identified as Jaden, was shot multiple times after turning down an offer to street race. Authorities have now confirmed the identity of the suspected shooter as Christian Campbell, a man believed to have traveled from Gastonia in a stolen red Honda Civic.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, Campbell arrived at the car show asking attendees to race him for $400 and soliciting marijuana. When his offers were declined, the encounter turned violent. Campbell reportedly brandished a firearm and opened fire in front of a stunned crowd of young car enthusiasts.
“He pulled up in a red Civic and was asking who wanted to race for money and who had weed,” said one attendee. “When no one responded, he lost it. Then he just started shooting.”
Jaden, a well-known and beloved local teen, was shot in the arm and ribs. Emergency crews responded within minutes, and Jaden was rushed to a local trauma center, where he was taken into emergency surgery. As of Saturday night, he remains in critical condition, fighting for his life.
Suspect Identified as Christian Campbell
Forest City Police confirmed late Saturday that the shooter has been identified as Christian Campbell, a suspect with known ties to Gastonia. The red Honda Civic he used to flee the scene has since been confirmed as stolen, and authorities are working with regional law enforcement agencies to track him down.
“This was a calculated and reckless act of violence that has left a young man fighting for his life,” said a Forest City Police Department spokesperson. “We are urging anyone who knows Christian Campbell’s whereabouts to contact us immediately. He is considered armed and dangerous.”
Officials clarified that the shooting was not a drive-by, as initially speculated. Campbell had parked and walked into the gathering, engaging with people before suddenly opening fire. He fled the scene in the stolen vehicle immediately after the shooting.
Community in Shock as Police Expand Search
The weekly car meet at POPS has been temporarily suspended out of respect for the victim and concern for community safety. Forest City residents, already shaken by the sudden violence, are now anxiously awaiting news on Jaden’s condition and calling for justice.
“Jaden is a good kid. He’s quiet, respectful, and loves cars,” said one family friend. “To think someone would shoot him over something so senseless is heartbreaking.”
Law enforcement has increased patrols in surrounding areas and is asking anyone with information or video footage from the event to step forward. Tips may be submitted anonymously through Crimestoppers.
KEY DETAILS:
- Victim: Jaden, teen in critical condition after being shot at Forest City car meet
- Suspect: Christian Campbell, fled in stolen red Honda Civic from Gastonia
- Incident: Suspect offered a $400 race, asked for drugs, and opened fire when rejected
- Location: Forest City Pavilion on Park Square (POPS), Forest City, NC
- Status: Active manhunt for Christian Campbell; car meets temporarily suspended
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Christian Campbell should contact the Forest City Police Department at (828) 245-5555 or submit tips anonymously via Crimestoppers.
The community continues to rally around Jaden’s family as he fights for survival in the hospital. A GoFundMe page may be organized soon to assist with his medical expenses.