CMPD chief says assaults with deadly weapons down this year, promotes awareness

“Awareness must lead to action.”

Those were the remarks made by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella D. Patterson on Friday during a CMPD press conference held in honor of National Gun Violence Prevention Day.

The conference was part of a broader push to prevent gun violence and recognize the warning signs that can lead to violent crime. City leaders urged parents to talk with their children about the dangers of guns and to check their children’s belongings before they go to school.

According to CMPD, as of May 31, the department had seized 1,855 illegally possessed firearms — a 14% increase from the same period last year. Charlotte has experienced 563 assaults with a deadly weapon this year, an 8% decrease from 2025.

“We cannot wait until the trigger is pulled,” Patterson said. “If you see something, say something. Preventing gun violence does not begin at the crime scene. It begins when ordinary people make the extraordinary decision to speak up before it is too late.”

She also described the wider impact gun violence can have on communities such as Charlotte.

“People often think of gun violence as a single act committed by a single individual against a single victim. But that is not how communities experience it,” she said. “A shooting is more like dropping a rock into a still lake. The impact point may be small, but the ripples spread outward in every direction. That is why CMPD approaches the work of tackling gun violence with great urgency, with compassion and with a commitment to accountability.”

Mother of gun violence victim speaks

Clydia Davis, a mother whose son was killed in a 2019 shooting, spoke about her own experience with gun violence.

Donqwavias Davis, 22, was killed after a verbal argument near UNC Charlotte, his mother said. Six years later, his killer was held accountable. Javier Perez-Concepcion was found guilty in 2025 of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

In an emotional speech, Davis described her son, known as “Quay,” as a loving person and someone who spoke out against gun violence even before his death. After the 2019 shooting at UNC Charlotte, she said, Quay posted condolences for affected families and started a hashtag: #Wegottomakeachange100.

Throughout Davis’ speech, she continued to reiterate the hashtag started by her son, almost in disbelief that after watching his fight for change in gun violence that he fell victim to the same fate.

“Criminals are bold. Therefore, lawmakers and judges have to get bolder. Hold them accountable, start making examples,’” she said.

Holding a cardboard cutout of her son, Davis ended her speech with a plea to Charlotte families. “As I end my speech today, I would like for those listening to take advantage and call your loved ones now,” Davis said.

“Because if I could, I would. Donqwavias Davis, I love you. And we’ve got to make a change 100.”