Raleigh police highlight partnerships, say 474 illegally possessed guns removed amid recent shootings

Raleigh — Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyse told reporters at a Wednesday press briefing that the department is strengthening work with local, state and federal partners after a recent cluster of violent incidents and that officers have removed 474 illegally possessed guns so far this year.

"Raleigh is a safe city," Chief Rico Boyse said, while acknowledging a recent spate of high‑profile incidents that have threatened residents' sense of security. He listed a shooting in the Food Lion parking lot on Creedmoor Road, a shooting at Triangle Town Center Mall that wounded three people, and a shooting at a Southeast Raleigh apartment complex that left one person dead.

Boyse said the briefing was intended to highlight the breadth of the department's public‑safety partnerships, which include representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office, the State Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, the Wake County District Attorney's Office and local agencies such as Wake County Alcohol Beverage Control. "We have a strong team and a strong partnership that's gonna work vigorously to keep our community safe," he said.

On weapons, Boyse stated that "so far this year, we have removed 474 illegally possessed guns that could be used to commit crime in our city," and he urged residents to store firearms securely: "If you see something that doesn't seem right, say something...If you believe the situation may turn violent, I urge you to call 911 immediately." He declined to provide many specifics about active investigations, saying those details could not be shared at the moment.

Reporters pressed the chief on what is new in the department's approach and on juvenile crime. Gina Marley of CBS FTE News asked whether the partnerships announced were new and what RPD is doing to address juvenile recidivism. Boyse said the partnerships have been long‑standing but that the department was emphasizing the team approach and the rapid coordination that helps hold offenders accountable. On juveniles, he said partners and community organizations are part of a prevention strategy and cited camps and programs intended to provide alternatives for youth at risk.

When asked whether the guns used in the recent shootings were illegally obtained, a reporter identified as Chymaso asked if RPD knew that fact yet. Boyse repeated that he could not share investigation specifics but said firearms were used in several incidents and reiterated the safe‑storage message.

Tamara Scott of ABC 11 asked about Wake County Public Schools' role and which programs are effective. Boyse said the schools are partners, noted school resource officers are embedded in schools and said the department views existing youth programs as working while continuing efforts to expand reach.

Sean Gallagher of WREL asked how the department restores public confidence after high‑profile incidents, even when overall crime trends are down. Boyse pointed to recent multiagency work that resulted in apprehending a homicide suspect who fled Raleigh and said the Triangle Town Center case remains under investigation, with the Wake County District Attorney's Office expected to move toward custody in the near term.

The briefing concluded with thanks to the assembled partners. There were no formal votes or policy actions announced at the event.