Five people, including an off-duty police officer, were killed in a shooting in a residential neighborhood in Raleigh, North Carolina, Thursday night, officials said.
The alleged killer, a male juvenile, had barricaded himself inside a residence in the area after going on a shooting spree around 5 p.m., according to Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin.
The Raleigh Police Department said late Thursday that the suspect had been apprehended.
“This is a sad and tragic day for the City of Raleigh,” Baldwin said at a press conference as sirens blared in the background. “It’s a tragic day because Raleigh Police have lost one of its own.”
Two other victims, including a Raleigh Police Department canine officer, were hospitalized with injuries. The officer was released Thursday night, while the second victim remained in critical condition.
Law enforcement officers congregate outside an armored vehicle after five people were shot and killed in the Hedingham neighborhood and Nuese River Trail area in Raleigh, North Carolina. AP
Raleigh police officers walk door to door checking on residents in the area of the shooting. APSources told Eyewitness News the alleged gunman is a teenager who encountered the off-duty officer on the greenway on his way to work. After targeting another officer and five civilians, the shooter took refuge inside an area residence, police said.
A witness told WRAL News he saw the gunman run through his backyard after the shooting.
“He had a long-barrel shotgun. He was dressed in camo,” said the witness, Robert. “He had a full backpack on that was also camouflage.”
Police officials announced they will be holding a press conference about the shooting at 8:30 a.m. ET Friday. APBaldwin, in Thursday night’s press conference, decried the latest round of gun violence to shock the nation.
“We must do more. We must stop this mindless violence in America,” the mayor said. “We must address gun violence. We have much to do.”
