RALEIGH, N.C. — Nine people were injured and dozens of individuals were arrested after large Fourth of July “teen takeover” gatherings escalated into violence across Raleigh, according to police.
Authorities said the incidents began Saturday night at Brier Creek Commons, where approximately 3,000 teens gathered during a holiday block party. Police dispersed the crowd after fights broke out, but many participants later moved to the Glenwood South entertainment district.
Officials estimated more than 5,000 teens gathered in Glenwood South, where multiple fights erupted and several shootings were reported between approximately 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. Sunday. Police responded to at least four separate shooting scenes in the area, while additional gunfire was later reported at a nearby gas station on Capital Boulevard.
According to investigators, nine people suffered injuries connected to the violence, including victims struck by gunfire and shattered glass. Authorities said all of the injured are expected to recover.
Court records show at least 27 people, ranging in age from 18 to 24, now face dozens of criminal charges, including simple affray, resisting arrest, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and other offenses. Officers also recovered at least one handgun during the incidents.
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce condemned the violence, calling the events “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” and emphasized that law enforcement will continue working to identify those responsible. Local businesses in Glenwood South also expressed frustration over the recurring disturbances, saying the violence has negatively affected the district and endangered patrons and employees.
The shootings remain under investigation, and police continue searching for those responsible.
