Crime
Police Respond to Fatal Shooting at North Hills in Raleigh
Raleigh police are investigating a fatal shooting at North Hills Shopping Center on Friday afternoon that resulted in the death of at least one person.
The incident occurred near the 4300 block of The Circle at North Hills Street, prompting a large law enforcement response and significant disruption in the area.
Emergency services were dispatched after reports of gunfire in the bustling shopping area off Six Forks Road.
Upon arrival, officers found one person deceased, with a white sheet covering the body. Initial video footage from the scene revealed a substantial police presence, with officers seen holding firearms as they assessed the situation.
Law enforcement has confirmed that this is not an active shooter situation but has urged the public to avoid the area.
Over 20 police vehicles were reported at the scene, along with officers stationed at multiple key locations, including the Exxon gas station at 4359 Six Forks Road.
Several roads surrounding North Hills have been closed as police continue their investigation.
Surveillance cameras in the area captured images of officers securing the perimeter and responding to the incident.
Witnesses reported seeing at least one injured individual, though details on the number of victims and the extent of their injuries remain unclear.
The incident prompted immediate safety measures in nearby locations:
- Carroll Middle School: The school was placed on a Code Red lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff.
- Nearby Offices: Employees in nearby office buildings were instructed to shelter in place as a precaution.
Authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting, including how many individuals were involved, whether others were injured, and if a suspect is in custody.
This developing story is under active investigation, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Raleigh Police Department.
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid the North Hills area until further notice to allow law enforcement to conduct their investigation safely and efficiently.
Crime
Milton Shooting Suspect Made Threats to Police and Posted Concerning Messages Online Prior to Ambush
MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the individual involved in Wednesday evening’s ambush shooting of a Milton police officer as Aaron LaRoche, a 38-year-old Milton resident with a documented history of mental health concerns and prior threats against law enforcement.
LaRoche is alleged to have opened fire on first responders during a public safety operation at a structure fire at 78 Main Street around 7:00 p.m.
The incident left Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran of the Milton Police Department, wounded.
He was transported by Milton Rescue with a police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains under medical care.
Initial reports indicate Sgt. Locke was shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
It is also believed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Authorities have described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
LaRoche, who remains barricaded inside the residence, is known to local law enforcement.
He has a documented history of erratic behavior and has been the subject of multiple online posts that raised red flags among community members and officers.
In the months leading up to the shooting, LaRoche had made several alarming posts on social media platforms, many of which directly tagged Milton Police Department and the Vermont State Police (VSP).
These posts included threats and references to hearing voices, claiming he was under mind control.
The content had been a growing concern for authorities and the public alike.
“This individual had been on our radar due to troubling and threatening behavior online,” a law enforcement official noted. “It’s tragic that those warnings have culminated in violence.”
Following the ambush, the Vermont State Police took command of the active scene.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the ongoing operation, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
- Local, county, and federal partners
The situation remains contained to the immediate area around 78 Main Street.
Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area due to heavy police presence and ongoing tactical operations.
VSP’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to Sgt. Locke and his family during this difficult time.
No additional injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to bring the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.
The investigation into LaRoche’s past online behavior and threats is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing whether prior actions could have warranted intervention before the shooting took place.
The Vermont State Police will release more details as they become available.
Media inquiries should be directed to the VSP Public Information Office via email to avoid overwhelming emergency communication channels.