Di-Quan Hunt, 32, was arrested Thursday on assault with a deadly weapon charges following the circulation of videos that appeared to show him terrorizing women on the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department stated it was investigating the videos when Hunt was apprehended.
The arrest has brought to light concerns from Hunt's family regarding his past behavior and mental state. His sister revealed that the family had repeatedly pleaded with police to institutionalize him, citing his violent tendencies and refusal to take prescribed medication. She believes Hunt has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
According to Hunt's sister, who spoke to local media anonymously, her brother's behavior escalated to violence against random individuals in the Dilworth neighborhood. She recounted instances where both she and their mother were victims of his aggression, leading the family to contact the police and provide video evidence multiple times.
"He completely just flipped, and that turned into violence. And we had to call the cops then," she told WSOC.
Previous arrests for Hunt include assault with a deadly weapon, communicating threats, assault, and violating domestic violence orders. His sister expressed fear that if Hunt is released without proper treatment, either his life or someone else's could be at risk.
One video handed over to police reportedly shows an assault on July 30 where a woman was punched on the sidewalk and sustained serious injuries requiring hospitalization. The footage captured a man, identified as Hunt, approaching a woman, engaging in verbal harassment, and then striking her repeatedly.
Another video appears to show Hunt confronting and harassing a different woman walking down the street, with audio capturing aggressive threats.
A man who previously reported being threatened by Hunt at a Charlotte light rail station stated that Hunt had displayed weapons, including a gun, a knife, and a hatchet, and asked if he was "ready to die today." This individual accepted a plea deal and served 89 days in jail.
Following his arrest, Hunt was taken to a local medical facility for treatment before being transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. The investigation by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department remains active.