CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officials said efforts to reduce violent crime in north Charlotte are working, citing a 15% drop in overall violent crime thus far in 2022.
Sgt. Lauren Stubblefield with CMPD's North Division said murder is down 50%, robberies are down 41% and rapes are down 100% in 2022. She said North Division officers have seized 31 guns thus far, a 7% increase from last year.
"All this work thus far in January, that's the hard work of everybody, including patrol officers and detectives," Stubblefield said.
Officer Kevin Wiggins detailed CMPD's "Project 4140," which is named after exits 40 and 41 on Interstate 85 in the area near West Sugar Creek Road and North Graham Street. Wiggins said the project was launched after a 2018 Charlotte City Council study labeled "corridors of opportunity" to reduce violent crime.
Wiggins said CMPD has partnered with local businesses in the areas around North Graham Street and West Sugar Creek Road to help combat violent crime and get violent offenders off the streets.
Detective Shawn Steward said in 2019 the program saw a reduction in overall crime in the area by 11% and a 23% reduction in violent crime.
So far in 2022, Steward said violent crime is still 50% lower than historical norms in the area.
"The 4140 collaboration has made an area of historically high crime safer over the past three years, promoting better conditions for residents and businesses, and we hope to continue that trend," Steward said.
Maritza Trochuz, a cashier who works at a restaurant along West Sugar Creek Road, said the area still has its issues from time to time.
"There was a lot of, you know, druggies, and then some guys had came in when I first worked here," Trochuz said, "they had came in, and they had stolen the tip jar. There's also a lady who came in here. She broke the window."
However, Trochuz said she has seen an increased police presence with more patrols in the area following those incidents.
"Now I've noticed, you know, it's much more calm," Trochuz said. "I feel safer in the area. I come to work, I don't have to worry about it."
CMPD said it is working on a camera video surveillance pilot program for the area that will increase camera coverage to help businesses, assist officers, and aid in investigations.
Contact Kendall Morris at kmorris2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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