Police reported that five people were killed in a shooting in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday, including an off-duty police officer.
One of the injured was a Raleigh K9 officer who was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later released. During a news conference Thursday night, Raleigh police spokesperson Lt. Jason Borneo said the other victims are in critical condition.
“Tonight, terror has arrived at our doorstep. A community’s nightmare has come to Raleigh,” said Governor Roy Cooper at a news conference. “This is a senseless, horrific, and infuriating act of violence.”
Borneo said the suspect was taken into custody shortly after 9:30 p.m. Police identified him as a White male juvenile but have not yet released his name.
A shooting occurred around 5 p.m. near the Neuse River Greenway in the neighborhood of Hedingham, Borneo reported. The pursuit of the suspect lasted for hours as authorities worked to apprehend him.
In helicopter footage, more than a dozen emergency vehicles were parked along a wooded road.
According to a woman at the Hedingham Golf Club driving range, police drove by in an “unending stream.”
“A golf pro came out to tell us to shelter inside or leave ASAP. They were very calm, but I could tell something was wrong, so we left right away.”
The police tweeted shortly before 6 p.m. that officers were responding to an active shooting near Osprey Cove Drive and Bay Harbor Drive along the Neuse River Greenway.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., police advised residents to remain in their homes “until further notice.”
Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin described the incident as tragic and sad. “We must all work together right now in Raleigh. Our community needs to support those who have suffered these terrible losses. The loss of a loved one. It is important that we support both the family of the deceased officer.”
A number of local and state law enforcement agencies are assisting Raleigh police, including the Charlotte Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
A visibly emotional Baldwin said she does not want any other mayor to go through a similar experience.
“Our country must end this mindless gun violence,” she said.
Gun Violence Archive reports at least 531 mass shootings in the US this year, including Thursday’s in Raleigh.