Crime
Heavy police presence at Target in Fayetteville after reports of shooting
The Target store, located on Skibo Rd has been placed under lockdown.
An incident at the Target store on Skibo Road in Fayetteville, North Carolina, caused widespread alarm this evening, initially sparking social media reports of an “active shooter.”
Authorities have since clarified that the situation stemmed from a large fight that escalated near the store’s entrance in the parking lot.
The altercation led to the activation of the store’s emergency alarm system, triggering chaos inside.
Witnesses reported hundreds of shoppers rushing toward the back of the store for safety, while others exited through emergency doors at the rear of the building.
The Target location was immediately placed on lockdown, with no entry or exit permitted except for law enforcement officials.
A heavy police presence was observed at the scene, as officers worked to secure the area and assess the situation.
Multiple individuals were reportedly detained in a nearby neighborhood behind the Michaelโs store, located across the street from Target.
Authorities are investigating whether those detained were involved in the altercation.
The incident caused significant concern among holiday shoppers, many of whom were present at the store during the busy season.
While initial reports of gunfire heightened fears, authorities have not yet confirmed any injuries or additional information regarding suspects or motives.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the situation and has urged residents to avoid the area until further notice.
Updates will be provided as more details become available.
For information or to provide tips, please contact the Fayetteville Police Department.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subjectโs vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorneyโs Office.