The Owner Of A Local Gun Store Says Suspects Rammed Two Stolen Cars Into His Business During An Attempted Robbery

CHARLOTTE, NC. — Would-be thieves targeted Watchdog Tactical in North Charlotte. The owner of the gun store, Chris Lawhorne, says he got a call from his alarm company around 11 pm Monday.

“I understand with the business I’m in, and I understand that criminals do, you know, want to try to get guns however way,” says Lawhorne.

He rushed to his business off Old Statesville Road and found the entrance glass door shattered. He says surveillance video shows young people ram two stolen cars into his store and then take off.

“Having to deal with this is super frustrating. As a business owner, it’s sad to see your hard work put down like this. But we’re a good company; we strive and will be back on our feet in no time.”

Stolen guns on the street are a big problem in Charlotte. CMPD says they’re usually taken from cars. The ATF says Charlotte topped the list of North Carolina firearm recoveries last year, with nearly 3,000 weapons seized. Watchdog Tactical is still waiting to get quotes for damage, but Lawhorne expects it to be 10-$15,000 worth.

“It takes money out of my pocket. It takes food off my table, and it affects my employees. It’s not going to be as quick as you getting a raise now since we have to come out of pocket to repair unwanted damage.”

Lawhorne says that the guns were locked up in safes, so the suspects didn’t get away with any firearms.