Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police ramped up enforcement across uptown this weekend, issuing more than 300 citations in the second week of Operation Safe Season—triple last week’s total. The multi-agency effort aims to increase visibility and curb crime during the busy holiday season.
CMPD launched the initiative on December 4, about 4 months after Iryna Zarutska’s stabbing and the same week as another stabbing near the 25th street light rail station.
This weekend’s coordinated sweep brought together CMPD, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, State Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, Alcohol Law Enforcement, and Mecklenburg County ABC. Officers focused on impaired driving, violent crime, illegal firearms, and narcotics.
Key results included:
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224 traffic stops
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317 citations
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36 arrests, including four juveniles
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661 grams of suspected marijuana seized
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More than 3 grams of cocaine recovered
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20 firearms seized
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24 ABC inspections, with six violations reported
Another successful weekend for Operation Safe Season! With the collaboration of CMPD, MSCO, NCSHP, HSI, FBI, ALE and Mecklenburg County ABC, Uptown Charlotte experienced enhanced security as well as safer roadways and businesses with dangerous narcotics, firearms and criminals… pic.twitter.com/XJzBqAZNrY
— CMPD News (@CMPD) December 15, 2025
Officials said the effort is designed to make uptown safer for residents, visitors, and businesses during peak holiday activity. Operation Safe Season will continue for several more weekends before expanding to other high-crime areas.
