Thousands of teenagers gathered in parts of Raleigh during Fourth of July weekend, creating what police described as large “teen takeovers” at Brier Creek and Glenwood South.
Raleigh police said nine people were injured in shootings connected to the incidents. The gatherings also led to dozens of criminal charges, street fights, arrests and frustration from local business owners who said the scenes were chaotic and dangerous.
Large Crowds Gathered in Glenwood South
The WRAL Breaking News Tracker was on the scene around 2:45 a.m. Sunday as Raleigh police blocked off several streets near Glenwood Avenue and Peace Street.
According to police, more than 5,000 teenagers gathered in the Glenwood South district and fights broke out in the street.
Court records show dozens of charges tied to street fights and resisting arrest. Some local businesses also posted on social media describing the situation as chaotic.
Businesses Describe Chaotic Scene
Super Rad Retro Lounge questioned why hundreds, possibly thousands, of underage people were walking around Glenwood South between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
The business said people were fighting in the streets, while groups of teenagers and young adults appeared to be looking for confrontations with other groups.
The post reflected growing concern among businesses that repeated disorder is damaging the district’s reputation.
Multiple Shootings Reported Around Glenwood South
Raleigh police said officers responded to several shootings in and around Glenwood South early Sunday morning.
The reported shooting locations and times included:
| Time | Location |
|---|---|
| 1:34 a.m. Sunday | 610 Glenwood Avenue |
| 2:05 a.m. Sunday | 700 Tucker Street |
| 2:30 a.m. Sunday | 14 Glenwood Avenue |
| 3:26 a.m. Sunday | 620 West Lane Street |
Police said the shootings were connected to the larger disorder that unfolded during the teen takeover.
At Least 27 People Facing Charges
According to court documents, at least 27 people are facing a combined 47 charges related to the Glenwood South incidents.
The suspects range in age from 18 to 24.
Charges include simple affray, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.
Police Chief Was at the Scene
One arrest warrant shows Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce was present during the Saturday night response.
The warrant says one suspect was arrested after resisting Boyce.
Another suspect was accused of resisting arrest and attempting to fight others while being taken into custody.
Court documents also said one officer’s arm was cut and bleeding while trying to break up a street fight. Another officer was hit in the chest after taking a drink from someone carrying an open container illegally.
Police Chief Calls Violence Unacceptable
Boyce called the Fourth of July violence across Raleigh heartbreaking and unacceptable.
He said his thoughts were with the victims, families and everyone affected by the violence.
Boyce said police remain committed to identifying those responsible, holding them accountable and working with the community to prevent similar incidents.
He also said public safety is a shared responsibility involving law enforcement, parents, community leaders and residents.
Teen Takeover Started at Brier Creek
Police said the teen takeover began earlier at Brier Creek Commons, where around 3,000 teenagers showed up during a Star Spangled Block Party near the shopping center’s clocktower.
After the teens were removed from the venue, police said a large fight broke out.
Two adults were injured after shots were fired. One adult was struck by gunfire, while another was hit by glass from a car window that had been shot out.
Juvenile Found With Handgun at Brier Creek
Raleigh police said they took a juvenile into custody at Brier Creek and found that the juvenile had a handgun.
However, police said they did not believe that person was one of the shooters.
Authorities said about half of the teenagers who later appeared at Glenwood South had also been at the Brier Creek incident.
Related Shooting Investigated on Capital Boulevard
After the Glenwood South shootings, police also investigated a related shooting at a gas station on Capital Boulevard.
That shooting left two people injured.
Police said everyone hurt in the shootings at Brier Creek, Glenwood South and Capital Boulevard is expected to survive.
Investigators are still searching for the shooters in all three incidents.
Glenwood South Businesses Closed Early
Several businesses in Glenwood South said they closed early to protect customers and staff.
Milk Bar wrote on Instagram that gun violence and reckless behavior do not belong in Raleigh’s nightlife scene.
The business added that the city can do better.
Business Owners Worry About District’s Reputation
Super Rad Retro Lounge said the incident caused part of Glenwood South to shut down early and created real fear among people who were simply out to enjoy the night.
The business said repeated incidents like this reinforce negative stereotypes about Glenwood South as a dangerous or disorderly nightlife area.
Both Milk Bar and Super Rad Retro Lounge thanked police and first responders for their work during the emergency.
Call for Parents and Community Action
Super Rad Retro Lounge said Raleigh residents, especially parents whose children were out on the streets, need to recognize that the city is better than what happened over the weekend.
The business warned that Raleigh should not become another example of a thriving city whose nightlife becomes associated with chaos, crime and violence.
Raleigh’s Fourth of July weekend was disrupted by large teen takeovers at Brier Creek and Glenwood South, leading to shootings, injuries, street fights and dozens of charges. Police said more than 5,000 teens gathered in Glenwood South after thousands had earlier appeared at Brier Creek Commons.
Nine people were hurt in shootings connected to the incidents, though all are expected to survive. With at least 27 people facing 47 charges, local businesses and police leaders are calling for stronger community involvement, parental responsibility and accountability to prevent future violence and protect Raleigh’s nightlife districts.