Rowan County, North Carolina

From Charlotte’s WCNC.com of September 23, 2005

Residents take up arms against violent neighbor

A group of Rowan County residents have organized armed patrols from the rooftops of their homes overnight Friday to protect themselves from a man suspected of arson and attempted murder.

Neighbors are upset deputies aren't on constant patrols or on a manhunt in search of David Lovett, a man accused of arson and attempted murder. If authorities can't catch him, they are ready to take up arms.

"We're not going to let this thing go by," said Richard Walker. "We're protecting our property and our homes."

According to police, Lovett created a "hit list" of residents he believed stole money, cigarettes and shaving cream from him.

"I don't know who is responsible for stealing my things, so I must punish all of you," the list reads. "Give it back and I will not punish you."

In an attempt to cross names off the list, Lovett has stabbed his aunt, Rita Regis, and burned several items in the homes of residents Scott Everhart and Amber Walker.

"He jumped out of his seat, grabbed the knives, stabbed her in the face and started stabbing her in the head," said Regis' boyfriend Douglass Altman.

Neighbors say four other residents were named in addition to the three that are already victims of Lovett's attacks. Lovett frequently threatened neighbors with a machete and a hatchet, neighbors said.

"He believes he's Sasquatch. He believes he's Bigfoot," neighbor Tom Lettice said. "He says, 'I'm around when you least expect me.'"