Homicide Suspect Shot and Killed After Struggle Inside Durham Police Headquarters

DURHAM, NC — A homicide suspect died after being shot during a struggle with officers inside Durham Police Department Headquarters on Wednesday, May 14, in a tragic turn of events that is now under multiple investigations.

Incident Occurs During Police Interview

According to Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews, the suspect was being interviewed as part of an ongoing homicide investigation shortly before 6:00 p.m. inside the headquarters. After the interview ended, officers were preparing to transport the individual when the situation escalated.

“As they were getting ready to move him, the suspect lunged forward and gained control of an officer’s firearm,” Andrews said during an evening press briefing.

Struggle Ends in Fatal Shooting

A physical struggle ensued between the officers and the suspect. During the confrontation, the firearm discharged.

“Based on our preliminary investigation, the suspect fired the shot from the gun that was in his control,” Chief Andrews confirmed.

Emergency life-saving measures were administered by officers until EMS arrived and transported the suspect to the hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The suspect’s identity has not yet been released.

No Officers Injured, Investigations Underway

No officers were injured during the incident. The case has been handed over to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Durham Police Department’s Professional Standards Division, as is standard protocol.

“This is a tragic loss for our officers and for that person’s family,” said Andrews. “The officers involved will be forever changed by this.”

The SBI’s Capital District agents are leading the external review. Chief Andrews added that she has already reviewed body camera footage, but emphasized the importance of not jumping to conclusions:

“I am not in the business of speculating. We work on facts and facts alone,” she said.

A Community on Edge

The event has stirred deep concern in the Durham community, as tensions remain high surrounding police use of force and custodial deaths. Andrews offered condolences to both the officers involved and the suspect’s family, noting that more information would be shared as the investigation progresses.