Victims of crime seek concealed-carry gun permits

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Local gun shops are seeing more customers getting concealed-carry permits hoping to prevent being victimized again as Charlotte-Mecklenburg police battle rising crime.

Leon Phillips was robbed on Freedom Drive.

“I knew it was going to happen, but there was nothing I can do,” Phillips said.

He had a gun but because he didn’t have a concealed-carry permit, it was locked in his trunk.

“I just dropped my phone, put my hands up,” Phillips said.

He was also pistol-whipped and said he never wants to feel that helpless again.

That’s why he got a concealed-carry permit.

“None of us know if and when it’s going to happen,” Phillips said.

Instructor Dan Starks said as crime goes up, he's seeing more victims fill the seats.

“I've had victims of rape. I've had victims of home burglaries,” he said. “People tired of being out there and not having a way to protect themselves.”

The most recent crime report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department shows 2016 saw a 10 percent jump in crime, roughly 11 percent for property crimes and 10 percent in violent crimes.

Phillips hopes he never has a reason to use his gun, but said learning how to carry it legally is the peace of mind and added protection he needs.

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