It happened about 7:10 p.m. in the 7100 block of Woodbend Drive, RPD Chief of Police Rico Boyce said.
The officer sustained injuries and was taken to WakeMed. He was treated and later released.
"I want to express my sincere gratitude that all officers involved are safe and were not seriously injured," said Garner Police Chief Chris Adams at a media briefing late Thursday night at Raleigh Police headquarters.
Officers were on Woodbend Drive to serve a search warrant linked to the search for the suspect in the shooting death of Joseph "Joey" Adams, who was found shot dead Feb. 9 inside a red car on Timber Drive near Vandora Springs Road in Garner.
That suspect, 26-year-old Solomon Owens, of Durham, then opened fire as officers attempted to enter the home. At least one officer returned fire, Boyce said.
Owens sustained minor injuries in the exchange, Raleigh Police said. He was also treated at a hospital and released into police custody.
Police said Adams, 41, was shot multiple times while driving his red Honda Accord. His family described him as a great friend, a proud father of five children, and a devoted husband. They said they couldn't imagine why anyone would want to harm him.
Chief Adams said the investigation was able to track Owens to a house in Raleigh.
"Our thoughts remain with Joseph Adams' family and loved ones, and we remain committed to seeking justice on their behalf," Chief Adams said.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear.
There is no ongoing threat to the community, police said. Hours later, the investigation continued as numerous officers remained at the scene.
Neighbors react to chaotic scene in north Raleigh
On Woodbend Drive, neighbors described a chaotic scene.
"There's a lot of officers out there and a lot of lights. And I post it on like a NextDoor app, and like, 10 minutes, they were like, Oh yeah, I know somebody. Somebody got shot, there were drones, and they came in with like rifles and things, and they police-taped off the whole thing, the whole street," said Lauren Loukoutou.
Another neighbor also witnessed the heavy police presence.
"I counted at least six (police cars) in front of my house." Lynda Boulay. "And I've never seen that many police cars unless they're parked in the police parking lot, and all their lights are going, and they wouldn't let anybody through. And then you look down at the bottom of the hill, and there's four or five more down there, too."
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As is standard for officer-involved shootings, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) responded to the scene to conduct an independent investigation.
RPD detectives are investigating Owens' actions in the incident, and the Internal Affairs department will conduct an administrative investigation focused on departmental policy compliance, the police department said.
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