David Chancey Lockhart in Custody After Firing Assault Rifle from Monroe Apartment Balcony

Monroe, NC – June 21, 2025 — A dangerous and potentially tragic situation was safely resolved Saturday night after Monroe Police took David Chancey Lockhart, 51, into custody following a standoff at the Nottingham Apartments on Castleberry Court. Authorities say Lockhart was seen firing an assault rifle from a second-story balcony before barricading himself inside his apartment.

The incident began around 7:50 p.m. when 911 callers reported that a man was actively shooting from the balcony of his unit. Upon arrival, Monroe Police officers found that the man had retreated inside, continuing to discharge the weapon through the apartment walls and floor, creating an immediate threat to nearby residents.

Officers promptly evacuated the building and called in the Monroe Police Department’s Special Response Team (SRT) and Hostage Negotiation Unit, along with support from the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union EMS, and the Monroe Fire Department.

The SRT utilized drone surveillance and non-lethal tactics to contain the situation. After nearly three hours of tension, Lockhart was taken into custody without injury at approximately 10:25 p.m.

He was immediately transported to Atrium Union for a comprehensive mental health evaluation. Police confirmed that no residents, officers, or bystanders were injured during the incident — an outcome praised by law enforcement officials.

Monroe Police Chief Bryan Bolen issued a public statement expressing gratitude for the peaceful resolution:

“I’m thankful no residents and no law enforcement officers were injured or hurt, and that this incident was resolved in the male being taken into custody without incident and he will be provided mental health services from certified medical personnel. I would also like to thank the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union EMS, and Monroe Fire Department for their assistance.”

Lockhart is expected to face criminal charges once he is released from the hospital. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and authorities are working to determine what prompted the armed outburst.

Residents of the Nottingham Apartments, though shaken, are breathing a sigh of relief that the situation ended without bloodshed. Police are encouraging anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Monroe Police Department as part of the ongoing investigation.

This incident underscores the importance of de-escalation tactics, mental health support, and interagency cooperation in resolving volatile situations with minimal harm.