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Bullet rips through home, breaks water pipe causing ceiling to collapse

By Glenn Counts, wsoctv.com
By Glenn Counts, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Although there were no injuries reported after a shootout in west Charlotte, the random act of violence has had lingering effects on the lives of a single mother and her daughter.

On June 7, multiple shots were fired outside Amelia Lee’s apartment.

"You could hear some of the bullets actually hitting the side of the house and the windows, so we went into the back and got down," said Lee.

[RELATED:Police charge 2 suspects after shootout at northwest Charlotte apartments]

One of the bullets entered the ceiling and struck a water pipe.

"The main pipe was right here, the ceiling fan was gone, water is dripping down these walls, water is dripping down these walls insulation everything," she said.

After the incident, the ceiling collapsed, the carpet had to be replaced and the living room walls had to be redone.

Amelia hasn't had the full use of her apartment in almost two months.

The incident has created tension between Lee and her landlord, Terrance Miller, over the pace of repairs and whether she should have to pay the full amount of her rent.

"I've been a landlord for a long time and my tenants will tell you I'm a good landlord," said Miller.

Had it not been for the random crime, Lee and Miller wouldn't be arguing.

"He told me if you're not going to pay me full rent we’re just going to come and change the locks," said Lee.

Miller wants Lee to move out, but she wants to stay until the lease runs out in January.

"She is trying to make me look like the villain because it's all about her having free housing," said Miller.

Lee told Channel 9 that she is more than willing to pay once her apartment is livable and that the repairs were just completed last week.

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