Indian Trail Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Brutal Bar Attack Using Machete and Brass Knuckles

ILLINOIS — A man from Indian Trail, North Carolina, is facing serious felony charges after allegedly launching a violent attack at an Uptown Charlotte bar using a machete-style blade and brass knuckles, leaving one man hospitalized and another injured.

The incident took place around 2 a.m. last Saturday in the 300 block of Brevard Street, according to a report by Queen City News. Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to the scene and found a man with a severe hand wound, while another man, later identified as Matthew Terry King, 39, stood nearby — covered in blood and armed with the weapons used in the assault.

Suspect Was Previously Ejected From Bar

As reported by The Charlotte Observer, King had been removed from the bar earlier in the night following a confrontation. However, he returned shortly thereafter, now armed with a machete and brass knuckles. Surveillance and eyewitnesses say King approached one of the patrons from behind and launched the violent attack without warning.

Victims Identified; One Required Surgery

The primary victim, Kurt Lee Casey, suffered a deep laceration on his left hand, reportedly after using it to block a swing from the machete. According to WCNC Charlotte, Casey had to undergo emergency surgery. A second individual, Jeffrey Vangordon, who attempted to restrain King during the scuffle, sustained a minor cut to the thigh but did not require hospitalization.

Multiple bystanders reportedly intervened, managing to subdue King until CMPD arrived and took him into custody.

Charges Filed; No Bond Issued

King was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and has since been booked without bond, pending a court review scheduled for the end of August. He is facing a slew of charges including attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of prohibited weapons.

Illinois Connections: A Broader Trend in Violent Bar Incidents

While this specific incident occurred in North Carolina, Illinois law enforcement has seen its own share of violent nightlife altercations in recent months.

In Chicago, police have responded to a 35% increase in aggravated battery calls near bars and clubs compared to the same time last year, especially in areas like River North and Wicker Park. In June 2025, two men were stabbed outside a West Loop venue after being denied entry — echoing the retaliatory nature of the Charlotte machete attack.

According to Chicago PD’s 2025 crime dashboard, over 1,200 assault-related incidents have occurred near licensed alcohol-serving establishments across the state this year alone. Experts warn that repeat offenders, alcohol-fueled violence, and delayed de-escalation by private security teams continue to be key contributing factors.

Weapon Access Raises Red Flags

The combination of a machete and brass knuckles, both considered prohibited weapons in many states, raises questions about how King was able to acquire and carry them so openly. In Illinois, carrying brass knuckles is a Class A misdemeanor, and machetes fall under concealed carry violations if used or displayed as weapons.

Law enforcement officials are calling for increased vigilance at nightlife venues, especially for repeat patrons who’ve been previously ejected.

Community Reaction and Safety Measures

The Charlotte community has responded with concern, calling for tighter security screenings and better conflict prevention practices at bars and clubs. Some have suggested implementing metal detectors or mandatory bag checks, a policy already in place at some Chicago venues following recent spikes in bar-related violence.

CMPD has not confirmed whether further charges may be brought against King, but officers say they’re reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to determine if the assault was premeditated.

Have you noticed an increase in nightlife-related violence in your area? Share your experiences or tips on staying safe with ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice matters.