CMPD says violent crimes have increased in first quarter of year

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The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said at the end of this first quarter of the year, there has been a 16% decrease in overall crime compared to this time last year -- but violent crime and gun cases have both increased.

"We are no way satisfied that any member of our community is victimized," deputy chief Stella Patterson said.

Patterson said in just the first quarter of the year, there were 22 homicides, 400 people reported assault with a deadly weapon and shots fired into 186 buildings.

"It is unacceptable to me to see that, and I know it is to you as well,” Patterson said.

Patterson said the guns are largely coming from unsuspecting community members.

"Many of the guns are stolen from people leaving them in cars, they're stolen from burglaries at home," Patterson said.

This is one of the reasons why Patterson said they urge people to lock up their guns.

Patterson said they’ve also noticed a pattern in who is committing these crimes.