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While it may not be clear what motivates people to make threats to others, often it is because they feel no one is listening. A desperate feeling may cause a person to make threats or demand attention to get the help the...

In the wake of the many shootings on school properties and other gathering places, it is natural for people to take precautionary measures if they suspect someone has a weapon. In fact, it is against the law in some states, including North Carolina, to carry a concealed weapon on a college campus. While the debate about gun control may never be settled, one man recently discovered that authorities take weapons laws seriously.

A 21-year-old GED student was recently arrested after another student allegedly saw him in a stairwell with a gun. A little after 10 a.m., the other student informed police that an armed man was on campus. Authorities shut down the college for about 45 minutes while police investigated. Reports say that initially, the GED student hid the gun to avoid getting caught. However, police soon located the gun and reported that it was loaded and stolen.

The laws protecting citizens from unlawful search and seizure are often carefully skirted by police. While their efforts to curb crime are commendable, the result may be the violation of civil rights and potentially an unlawful arrest. Two North Carolina women are now facing weapons offenses following a search of their hotel room, the validity of which a defense attorney may question in court.

Police officers reported that they were walking past the hotel on routine patrol when they smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the area of a particular room. A magistrate granted a search warrant based on the officers' claims. The officers knocked on the hotel room door. A woman answered, and police engaged her in conversation.

Parent sending their children off to college this month are likely reminding their dear ones to be safe on and off campus. Some North Carolina parents may be taking the extra step of providing weapons for self-protection. However, some school administrations are warning students that they may be risking weapons offenses by bringing certain items on campus.

North Carolina State University invited police officers to speak to students about what they may and may not have for personal protection. For example, stun guns are not permitted on many campuses throughout the state, although manufacturers of the devices are advertising sales aimed at college students. Additionally, while a student may not possess a gun, certain employees may be allowed to keep them in their cars or in on-campus housing.

Gun owners in North Carolina are not shy about defending their Second Amendment right to bear arms. A bill currently making its way through the state legislature may allow gun owners to bear those arms with even more liberty. Still, there are many who worry about the dangers the bill presents and the potential for an increase in weapons offenses, especially for those who are not familiar with carrying firearms.

If the law passes, it would eliminate the need for permits to carry concealed weapons in places where openly carrying a weapon is allowed. The bill also lowers from 21 to 18 the age at which someone can apply for a concealed-carry permit. Decisions regarding the approval or rejection of applications for such permits would be made within 90 days instead of 45 days from the time the sheriff obtains the mental health report of an applicant.

Law enforcement agents are under careful scrutiny these days. While most police officers carry out their duties with the intent to protect and serve, others may have different agendas, bringing suspicion on all who wear a badge. A North Carolina police officer was recently fired following accusations that he performed an unlawful search and seizure.

After 17 years in law enforcement, the officer lost his job for allegedly failing to carry out his duties. The officer apparently obtained a search warrant for the property of another police officer who was suspected of being involved in a string a thefts of mowers and lawn equipment. However, the subject of the warrant maintained that the warrant was obtained under false pretenses, and the search resulted in illegal seizures.

Sometimes, one thing leads to another and the outcome is not always what is expected. One questionable action or decision gives way to another, and suddenly the individual ends up face to face with North Carolina law enforcement. The outcome of such an encounter generally depends upon the events, circumstances, perceived involvement of the individual in possible criminal activity and if there is a possible weapons offense.

Recently, one North Carolina man was arrested and charged with using a dangerous weapon to commit robbery. This man appears to be the primary suspect in at least nine armed robberies over a six month period. Additionally, officers have indicated that there were several other robberies with similar features in nearby counties. All in all, this 31-year-old is facing a dozen counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, one attempted robbery, six kidnapping charges as well as other charges.

A celebration often brings noisy revelry and unorthodox methods of expressing excitement. For some in North Carolina, cheering and shouting is enough, and others may blare their car horns or use special noisemakers for the occasion. However, some partiers, especially on New Year's Eve, bring out more dangerous noisemakers, and this may lead to charges for weapons offenses.

Local police responded to citizen complaints of shots fired just after midnight on the first day of the new year. The caller reported that a weapon had been discharged into a residence. When officers arrived at the neighborhood, they located two men who had been firing guns in celebration of the new year. Officers confiscated handguns and rifles and arrested the two men on numerous charges.

Because of the many instances of gun violence across the country, it is understandable for people to become upset or frightened when reports of weapons or gunfire arise. Law enforcement may react quickly to minimize the potential for tragedy. This may result in severe charges for anyone involved. One North Carolina man is facing felony charges after a weapons incident inside his wife's place of employment.

The man was formerly employed by a food plant, which is located across the street from an elementary school. During the Friday night shift, the man came to the plant, entered the break room and allegedly fired his gun. No one was struck by the bullet, but one woman was taken to the hospital for injuries suffered while trying to escape in the pandemonium of the evacuation that followed.