RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — After reviewing a “teen takeover” in the Glenwood South and Brier Creek areas of Raleigh, the city council talked more about instituting some type of curfew. But, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell says even before any such curfew could be established–she can take some emergency actions.
…The council directed the City Attorney to draft a curfew ordinance for the council to review at its next meeting on August 18th. A task force is also being created to look at the broader issues surrounding youth and root causes that are leading to violence.
“As Mayor, I am grateful for the actions of the Raleigh Police officers in response to the situations of juvenile violence across the City on the night of July 4 and the morning of July 5,” Cowell said in a statement Clearly, Raleigh is not exempt from the incidents of youth violence that are occurring across the country. We need to talk with the youth, their parents, schools, and the broader community to understand the root causes and to better coordinate strategies. ”
Council members agreed that a curfew should be considered, while some questions specifics and said that any such curfew should cover the entire city.
A task force is also being developed to look at root causes of teen violence.
In a press release, the Raleigh Police said The activity is similar to teen takeovers happening in cities across the country, and like those events, a number of the juveniles brought guns. Nearly 300 officers were on duty across the City on the evening of July 4 and into July 5.
Police estimate that about 3,000 teens showed up at Brier Creek and about 5,000 in Glenwood South, saying about half of the teens were from outside of Raleigh. After Raleigh police cleared Brier Creek, the juveniles reassembled in Glenwood South. Fights began again. With help from the Knightdale Police Department, Zebulon Police Department, Cary Police Department, Wake County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, it took about three hours to bring the situation under control.
The following is a breakdown of what happened by location.
Brier Creek
- At approximately 10:30 p.m., Raleigh Police officers responded to reports of a fight near the movie theater and nearby stores including a Target.
- Our preliminary investigation indicates this incident stemmed from what has become known as a “Teen Takeover.”
- After teens were removed from the store, a large fight erupted outside.
- During that disturbance, gunshots were fired.
- Two adults not involved in the incident were injured. One was struck by gunfire, while another was injured by shattered glass caused by the shooting.
- Officers detained a juvenile who was found in possession of a handgun. At this time, investigators do not believe that juvenile was one of the shooters.
- The individuals responsible remain outstanding, and this investigation is active.
Glenwood South
- Beginning at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, officers responded to multiple shootings in and around the Glenwood South entertainment district.
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- 610 Glenwood Ave 01:34 a.m.
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- 700 Tucker St 02:05 a.m.
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- 14 Glenwood Ave 02:30 a.m.
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- 620 W Lane St 03:26 a.m.
- Currently, investigators have identified 6 victims. Some were located by officers on scene, while others later arrived at area hospitals.
- All of these injuries appear to be non-life threatening.
- The individuals responsible remain outstanding, and this investigation is active.
850 Capital Blvd
- At 04:28 am, Raleigh police officers responded to a shooting at 850 Capital Blvd.
- A fight occurred at the gas station and an unknown subject involved in the fight produced a firearm and shot two people.
- Both victims were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- The suspect is unknown and this investigation is ongoing.
“What happened across our city on the Fourth of July is both heartbreaking and unacceptable.” Police chief Rico Boyce said in a statement. Our thoughts are with every victim, every family, and everyone whose lives were impacted by these senseless acts of violence.
“We remain committed to identifying those responsible, holding them accountable, and working alongside our community to prevent this from happening again. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and it will take all of us—law enforcement, parents, community leaders, and residents—to ensure Raleigh remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.”
Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Raleigh Police Department at (919) 996-1315 or submit an anonymous tip through Raleigh Crime Stoppers.