There have been 83 homicides so far this year, a 28% increase from 2023.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Overall crime in Charlotte is flat compared to 2023 but homicides saw a significant increase from a year ago, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police showed on Thursday.
There have been 83 homicides so far this year, a 28% increase over 2023. However, CMPD has a homicide clearance rate of 80%, well above the national average of 52%, according to Deputy Chief Jackie Bryley.
“CMPD’s Homicide Unit investigates each and every case tirelessly, and they are dedicated to achieving a resolution and justice for each life lost and for the victims’ families left behind,” Bryley said.
Property crime is down 1% in Charlotte this year, with Bryley crediting increased patrols leading to a decrease in the number of stolen cars. CMPD says the number of police interactions increased by 2%, with arrests and gun seizures both increasing by 3% in 2024.
Aggravated assaults, meaning when a weapon is used during a crime, are up 7%, the data shows. Those types of crimes include assault with a deadly weapon and pointing a gun.
Bryley said the number of reported car thefts dropped 9% from this time last year when the “Kia Challenge” led to a skyrocketing number of stolen cars.
“These stats speak directly to the great efforts of our officers and proactive patrols in our highest incident areas,” Bryley said.
Juvenile crime remains a point of emphasis but the number of juvenile arrests is flat through the third quarter. Bryley said CMPD arrested 75 underage suspects, many of whom were linked to stolen cars.
