Raleigh police outline beefed-up safety measures in Glenwood South
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Raleigh's police chief said Tuesday that challenges continue along Glenwood South, a corridor where the city estimates roughly 4,000 people live and many others work.
Joseph Martinez, now a bartender at IKA Peruvian Restaurant, previously worked as a security guard at a Glenwood bar and was on duty during the Independence Day weekend teen takeover.
"It was really, really chaotic," he said.
IKA, a fusion restaurant serving South American dishes, opened just weeks before the teen takeover.
The owner told ABC11 that some customers canceled reservations at the time because of the incident. Staff members say they hope added police presence will help people feel more comfortable visiting the area.
"There's a bunch of restaurants close out that a lot of people come down to actually enjoy set aside of the chaos," Martinez said.
Police estimate about 5,000 people converged on Glenwood South during the Fourth of July weekend, which ended in gunfire. Six people were injured, and multiple individuals now face charges.
Police Chief Rico Boyce told council members during a Tuesday work session that steps are underway to improve safety.
He said the department has increased foot patrols, added two utility tank vehicles and deployed new camera trailers that feed real-time footage to the crime center and detective division. Officials say the system is constantly monitored, allowing officers to respond quickly when needed.
"They are the force multipliers. They are able to see areas along Glenwood South where officers are not present ... They can call the incident commander and get officers to respond to those areas," Boyce said.
Cat Sturgill, who was heading to dinner Tuesday, said the teen takeover gave her pause but hasn't stopped her from supporting businesses in the area.
"I think a police presence is obviously needed now because of what's been happening. And if that can help people get back down here I think it's needed," she said.
Police have hired four officers to handle noise complaints citywide. This year, there have been 120 noise complaints along Glenwood South -- a 22% decrease from 2025.
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