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VIDEO: Men use blowtorch to try to get into south Charlotte gun store

By Alexa Ashwell
By Alexa Ashwell

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The owner of a Charlotte gun shop hopes surveillance video will help identify the people who tried to break into his business in an unusual way.

Matt King is the owner of The Arms Room on South Boulevard and said when he went to open his shop Wednesday morning, he noticed the lock had been melted off the back security door.

King immediately checked his security cameras which showed the criminals in action.

The surveillance video shows the would-be burglar's vehicle pull up to the back of the shop around 2:50 a.m. Wednesday.

The video then shows the men get out of the car and retrieve a hand-held torch connected to two large gas tanks inside the trunk. Within seconds, the video shows the flash of the torch as one man works to remove the lock from the security door.

For an unknown reason the two quickly left the scene only to return again 20 minutes later and then leave again, before ever making entry into the store.

Still, the owner is asking for the public's help in identifying the would-be robbers.

"He may have some sort of affiliation with metal working," said King.

King wasn't able to get the car’s tag number because they put a plastic bag over the license plate. He described the vehicle as a light-colored Mercury Grand Marquis with a black vinyl top.  King also pointed out the right rear wheel is missing its hubcap.

"We just don't need these firearms in the hands of the wrong people," said King.

King pointed out if they had gained entry into his store they likely wouldn't have succeeded in stealing any of the hundreds of guns in his store. Each evening the guns are secured in a safe.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CMPD.

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