A Raleigh police officer was shot and killed Tuesday evening in a residential neighborhood south of downtown. Two people, including the shooting suspect, are dead.
“Our officer suffered a serious gunshot wound during an exchange of gunfire with the suspect,” said Raleigh Deputy Chief Rico Boyce.
At a news conference at 11:30 p.m., Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson said the officer was out of surgery and in critical condition.
“I want to thank the community for your patience,” Patterson said. “These last few days have been difficult for our city. What we have endured is heavy.”
According to Patterson, officers responded to a report of a burglary in progress around 5:30 p.m. at a home on Democracy Street in the Renaissance Park subdivision.
A woman who called 911 told dispatchers she knew the suspect from a previous relationship. Shortly after arriving, officers reported hearing gunshots coming from inside the home.
The identities of the officer, suspect and second person who died have not been released and Patterson told WRAL News that details of the initial incident are under investigation.
“It probably started around 5:50 p.m.,” Drew Duffy told WRAL News.
“The police are, wow, they’re flying down the highway right now,” he told WRAL’s Ashley Rowe in a phone conversation shortly after 6:30 p.m.
“This is happening right now.”
Carlos Jenkins, who was walking around looking for something to eat, told WRAL News he heard at least eight gunshots.
“I would describe it like GTA (Grand Theft Auto, a video game). You never see this many police officers here,” Jenkins said.
As WRAL’s Shaun Gallagher reported at the scene, officers asked him to step back and take cover behind a police vehicle. Several gunshots could be heard as Gallagher explained the developing situation.
“Our officer was seriously injured by gunfire. He is currently in the hospital and needs your prayers,” he said.
An emergency alert issued to area cell phones advised people in the area of Tryon Road and US 70/401 to “GO INSIDE AND STAY INSIDE NOW.”
A caravan of police vehicles left the area shortly before 7 p.m., supposed to transport the injured officer to a hospital. Within minutes, New Bern Avenue was closed between the Interstate 440 exit and WakeMed in Raleigh. At least two ambulances arrived at the emergency room.
Shortly after 7:30 p.m., police issued a green light for the Renaissance Park neighborhood. Patterson said the investigation will continue and the police department will release a 5-day report on the incident.
