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Businesses, neighbors show support following violence in Plaza Midwood

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A gunman is on the run after allegedly shooting a man outside a Plaza Midwood bar Monday night. The shooting on Gordon Street is the second one in less than a month in Charlotte's popular entertainment district.

Business leaders believe these incidents are isolated but they're taking the opportunity to remind their workers to watch out for one another.

Jihanna Mughnee told Channel 9 she loves walking everywhere in Plaza Midwood and calls the area an open, friendly melting pot. But after two shootings, she's watching her back a little more.

"We're hurt about the recent incidents happening," she said.

She said her neighbors pulled together after Ketie Jones,26, was killed in a random shooting in October.

(Ketie Jones)

Gregorio Farmer, 25, was shot Monday night outside of Snug Harbor. Witnesses at the bar told police an argument between Farmer and another man spilled outside the bar. Farmer's sister said her brother is pulling through.

"We all kind of know in a city things do happen, it's hard, though, when its this close," said Ryan Genest, who works in Plaza Midwood.

"I think its an isolated incident, there is no fear from me as a business owner," said Peculiar Rabbit owner Robert Nixon.

Nixon said this is one of very few violent crimes he's seen in the five years that his restaurant has been open. He calls the incidents part of a "growing hiccup."

"Right now it's just new new, new, people people, people, change, change, change," Nixon said.

He told Channel 9 he's been telling his employees to walk out in groups and for male workers to accompany female employees.

A representative from the Plaza Midwood Merchants Association said many businesses already hire private security or off-duty Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers.

He said the association is also keeping in contact with police.

"Everyone is actively trying to figure out how we can stop this from happening and how you can keep the spirit of the neighborhood going," Mughnee said.

The neighborhood watch is encouraging people to take Uber or taxis home at night. Workers at Snug Harbor could not comment on the shooting or the investigation but said they are cooperating with police and that they've turned over surveillance video from the bar.

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