Raleigh officer in critical condition, man and suspected shooter identified

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Thursday, January 23, 2025
Raleigh officer in critical condition, suspect and another person dead
Raleigh police chief Estella Patterson said the officer is out of surgery and is in critical condition. She said the suspect died in the shootout and another person in the house was taken to the hospital and later died.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Raleigh Police Department has released the identity of the man shot by the suspect who was then killed by police during a gunfire exchange in the Renaissance Park neighborhood.

The officer was shot when police responded to a house on Democracy Street and a person started shooting at officers. An officer called for backup and the person continued shooting. During the gunfire exchange, an officer was wounded and the suspect was killed.

Wednesday, police identified the man who was shot at the house and died at the hospital as 73-year-old John Rowe. The suspect killed during the shootout with police is identified as 70-year-old Antonio Rodrigues.

At the request of the family, RPD is not identifying the officer who was shot. Police say the officer is in critical condition.

On Wednesday afternoon, Raleigh Police were evacuating residents who live near the scene of Tuesday night's shooting. Police did not give a reason for the order. An ABC11 crew at the scene said the bomb squad was called out.

The Raleigh Police Department is asking residents who live in the area to shelter in place because of the ongoing investigation.

SEE ALSO | Raleigh police find 'suspicious items' after searching car of shootout suspect in Renaissance Park

How the shooting unfolded

In an 11:30 p.m. media briefing update, Raleigh police chief Estella Patterson said the officer is out of surgery and is in critical condition. She asked the public to continue praying for the officer. She said the suspect died in the shootout and another man who was in the house died at the hospital.

Chief Patterson said officers went to the house on a residential burglary 911 call. The woman on the phone said she knew the suspect from a previous relationship.

Patterson didn't reveal the identity of the officer or the others involved in the incident.

The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is conducting the criminal investigation and will submit its findings directly to the Wake County District Attorney.

The RPD's Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an administrative investigation that will focus on departmental policy compliance.

As is standard protocol and in the spirit of transparency, a five-day report will be released to the City Manager providing additional details regarding this incident, Chief Patterson said.

WATCH | Full Raleigh Police News Conference

RPD locked down the area, blocked streets, and sent an emergency alert to inform neighbors and keep the public safe and away from the area.

Sounds from Raleigh police shootout

Raleigh officer seriously injured, suspect dead after shootout in Renaissance Park area

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RPD says people who live in the area or need to access the area can now do so.

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