Harnett County residents on high alert after uptick in violence

HARNETT COUNTY (WTVD) -- Flashing lights, yellow police tape, and murder - it's a scene residents living in Harnett County said they've become too used to in the past two weeks.

"It's upsetting," said Harnett County resident Slavester Brown. "I have family here. I have kids here."

Brown said he's worried about his safety and family members closest to him. Simple tasks like filling up the gas tank or going to the grocery store leave him on edge.

"I don't feel secure letting my wife travel alone by herself," said Brown.

Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App

Another resident, who was too afraid to talk on camera, said the community has changed quite a bit.

"When I was younger, coming up around here my parents would let me walk to the store by myself," said the unidentified woman. "But now, my daughters don't even want to go outside."

She said the community has grown significantly since then and that could be the cause of the uptick in violence. Still, that doesn't change the fact that she's now taking steps to provide extra protection for her family.

"I need to arm myself," she said. "I don't feel safe. I'm a single mom of two. I do have guns by me and guns by the door."

Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats said for the past two years the county only saw a total of eight homicides.

In 2017 alone, Harnett County has seen five homicides, three of which are still undetermined. Coats said residents have no reason to be afraid.

RELATED: AUTHORITIES ID BODY FOUND IN HARNETT COUNTY, DEATH INVESTIGATED AS HOMICIDE

"We're going to do robocalls and put every word out there possible, but because these are isolated incidents, the citizens of the county can feel like they're safe," said Coats.