Man held without bond accused of using gun 'lost' in Charlotte during liquor store robbery attempt

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — A judicial official has ordered a Charlotte man to be held without bond after he was arrested for a violent attempted robbery at a local liquor store using a firearm that was previously reported lost in the city.

The attempted heist took place when the suspect entered the retail store and produced a handgun, demanding cash and merchandise from the employees on duty. However, the store's safety protocols and quick response from staff prevented the robbery from being completed. The suspect fled empty-handed and was captured shortly afterward by responding officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

During the post-arrest investigation, police traced the serial number of the recovered firearm and discovered it had been registered as 'lost' or stolen in Charlotte prior to the robbery attempt. This discovery has highlighted concerns regarding the circulation of lost and unregistered firearms in the metropolitan area and how they quickly end up in the hands of criminals.

The suspect faces multiple charges, including attempted armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and carrying a concealed weapon. He remains in custody at the local detention center pending his upcoming court appearance.