Crime
Shooting at North Hills Leaves One Dead, Two Injured, Coquette Brasserie Chef Among Victims
Both injured individuals were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
UPDATE: Raleigh police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred at the North Hills shopping plaza on Friday morning.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 4300 block of The Circle at North Hills Street.
During a press conference held around 12:50 p.m., police provided details of the incident:
A man entered Coquette Brasserie, a French restaurant within the plaza, and shot another man. The victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The gunman then turned the weapon on himself, inflicting critical injuries. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.
A third man standing nearby was struck during the incident and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Police have stated that the shooting does not appear to be random, suggesting a potential connection between the individuals involved.
This remains an active investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Raleigh Police Department. The public is also advised to avoid the area as police continue to process the scene.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Raleigh police are investigating a tragic shooting at North Hills Shopping Center that left one man dead and two others injured on Friday morning.
The incident occurred at Coquette Brasserie, a French restaurant located in the heart of the shopping center on The Circle at North Hills Street.
The shooting unfolded shortly before 11:00 a.m. when an individual entered Coquette Brasserie and opened fire, striking the restaurant’s chef and two other men.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another man sustained critical injuries, while a third suffered non-life-threatening wounds.
Both injured individuals were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Police have clarified that this is not an active shooter situation, but they have urged the public to stay clear of the area.
By 11:00 a.m., a massive law enforcement presence had converged on the shopping center. Over 20 police vehicles were reported at the scene, and officers were seen with guns drawn as they secured the area.
Ambulances transported victims, and witnesses described seeing people carried out of the restaurant by police.
The investigation appears to be focused on Coquette Brasserie, where the shooting took place.
Witnesses reported seeing patrons and staff fleeing the restaurant, some visibly injured. Blood was reportedly seen near the restaurant’s entrance.
The shooting caused widespread disruption in the surrounding area:
- Shopping Center Access: North Hills shopping center is completely inaccessible, with all entrances and exits blocked.
- Nearby Schools on Lockdown:
- Carroll Middle School: Placed on a Code Red lockdown, meaning students are confined to classrooms.
- Green Magnet Elementary School: Under a Code Yellow lockdown, restricting access to the building while maintaining operations inside.
- At least four additional schools are also under lockdown precautions.
- Traffic Impact:
- Six Forks Road: Closed in both directions near the shopping center, with additional crashes complicating traffic in the area.
- Lassiter Mill Road: Also blocked in both directions.
Parents have been advised not to attempt to retrieve their children from schools during the lockdown.
Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots near the front of the shopping center, close to REI, Firebirds, and Coquette Brasserie. Some reported chaos as people ran for safety.
Authorities have not released information regarding a suspect or motive.
Police continue to investigate the scene, and the public is asked to avoid the area until further notice.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more details emerge. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Raleigh Police Department.
If you were in the area or witnessed the incident, please submit tips to Raleigh police or call the local crime stoppers hotline.
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.