Charlotte Police Form New Unit In Response To Gun Crime Surge

CHARLOTTE, NC — A surge in crimes involving firearms in Charlotte has prompted police to form a new unit, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said Wednesday.

The newly formed Crime Gun Suppression Team will include investigators from CMPD's Gang Unit, the Shooting In Occupied Dwelling Task Force, Targeted Response and Apprehension Team, CMPD said.

"This year, we've had over 400 assault with a deadly weapon cases involving a firearm, about a 31 percent increase over last year," CMPD Maj. Ryan Butler said Wednesday.

More than 650 people victimized by shootings into occupied property or dwellings, such as a home or vehicle, he said.

"We've had five of those cases investigated just since yesterday alone," Butler said.

The consolidated expertise among investigators, along with the use of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, will help streamline investigations, according to the department.

"This unit played a critical role over the weekend in responding to the shooting that we had a Northlake Mall, helping to make the identification of the shooter and then in less than 12 hours, assisting patrol unit into taking that individual into custody," Butler said.

SEE ALSO: Juvenile Charged With Attempted Murder After Mall Shooting