Operation Queen City Overwatch Yields Positive Results

Published on July 17, 2026

Charlotte, N.C. (Friday, July 17, 2026) — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), in partnership with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, made multiple arrests and removed illegal firearms and narcotics from the roads during a successful Queen City Overwatch operation on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11.

Throughout the two-day operation, CMPD and its partner agencies reported the following results:

• 1,281 traffic stops
• 2,209 citations
• 73 arrests
• 18 firearms seized
• 26 outstanding warrants served
• 4 stolen vehicles recovered
• 39 DWIs

CMPD used real-time intelligence and coordinated deployment strategies to identify and apprehend violent offenders, individuals involved in high‑victimization crimes, and others whose reckless actions pose threats to community safety.

“This operation was about protecting you,” said CMPD Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson. “It’s about ensuring families can travel safely, businesses can operate without disruption, and neighborhoods can enjoy peace and security.”

CMPD remains committed to strengthening these partnerships and continuing to keep the Charlotte community safe.

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