CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTVR) — In the wake of the attacks the country has dealt with over the past year many people are thinking of taking their safety into their own hands.

In fact, 19-year-old John Schultz has been spending his days patrolling his Charlotte, North Carolina neighborhood with a WWII rifle strapped to his back.

Schultz said his grandfather used the gun in the war and that he is ready to keep his neighborhood safe.

However, the 19-year-old patrolling the subdivision does not sit well with everyone.

Neighbor Vanessa Aidara said the rifle frightens she and her children. She also said the it is a bad image for Walnut Creek.

“He could be good without the rifle,” Aidara said. “I think the rifle is what scares everybody because why do you need a rifle to pick up trash. Get a trash bag. “

On the other hand, Schultz said many other folks in the neighborhood thank him for his service.

“I won’t brandish a firearm or anything, I won’t chase somebody around,” he promised. “I will ask them to stop.”

So far he says he has spotted peeping toms and potential burglars, who he said ran off after seeing him. But for the most part, he’s just been picking up litter.

Police said Schultz is not breaking any laws since he’s not pointing the gun at anyone or threatening anyone with it.