CMPD, Scott Clark Auto Group Help Armed Robbery Victim Get Back On Track

CHARLOTTE, NC — An armed robbery victim is getting her life back on track thanks to a random act of kindness by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Scott Clark Auto Group.

On Friday, August 2, 2019, Hope McKinney was on her way home in north Charlotte when police say she was approached by two men and robbed at gunpoint.

“He took my car, he took my purse, he took my keys, he took my wallet,” says McKinney. “He just kind of took, he tried to take over my life is how I feel.”

To help McKinney get back on her feet, CMPD detectives reached out to Officer Rick Zoerb, who started the “CMPD Emergency Needs Fund” in 2016. Through the use of donations and partnerships from within the Charlotte community, the fund allows officers to help those they find in need while on duty.

“This fund is really, first off, to engage the community and have a positive impact on the community,” says Officer Zoerb. “A lot of times police are known for having to put people in cuffs, and maybe taking them to jail or giving them a ticket. This is the better side for us. This is the side where we get to go into a home, or like Mrs. McKinney, be able to reach out to our partners and be able to provide a silver lining.”

After hearing her story, one of those partners, the Scott Clark Auto Group, decided to help McKinney get back on track by donating a new car.

“She went through a traumatic experience, and to see her face and the tears of joy, it just made all of this so well worth it,” says Scott Clark. “Now she’s empowered to do what she needs to do, and not be scared.”

McKinney says she is so thankful to the CMPD, the Scott Clark Auto Group and the City of Charlotte for coming out and helping keep her “from further falling.”

You can see more on McKinney’s story below:

To donate or get more information on the CMPD Emergency Needs Fund, click HERE.