RALEIGH — Five people including an off-duty city of Raleigh police officer were killed Thursday evening in what authorities described as an “active shooting” in a residential neighborhood of northeast Raleigh.
“State and local officers are on the ground and working to stop the shooter and keep people safe,” Gov. Roy Cooper tweeted.
The Raleigh Police Department said it was “on the scene of an active shooting” in a statement via Twitter, and advised residents in multiple neighborhoods to stay inside their homes.
Police closed off several streets in the area, and numerous law enforcement vehicles could be seen parked both in the street and in driveways of two-story homes. The neighborhood borders the Neuse River Greenway Trail, and is about 9 miles northeast of Raleigh’s downtown.
The town of Knightdale, which borders Raleigh to the east, confirmed that the suspect has been captured and there was no longer any threat to the public at 8:15 p.m.
Raleigh police said at 8:27 p.m. there was no suspect in custody, conflicting reports from WRAL and the town of Knightdale.
At 8:45 p.m., WRAL said the suspect was “contained but not in custody” and police are unsure of their condition.
Raleigh mayor Mary Ann Baldwin gave an update at 9 p.m., confirming the 5 fatalities. Additionally, two individuals were injured, including a Raleigh K-9 officer. They are currently being treated for their injuries.
“This is a sad and tragic day for the city of Raleigh,” said Baldwin, who was visibly upset delivering the news.
A Raleigh police public information officer confirmed that the suspect was “contained” but noted the investigation was active and ongoing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
