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
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.