Triangle Crime Report (Sept. 29 – Oct. 5): Violence, Drugs, and High-Profile Arrests Across the Region

RESEARCH TRIANGLE REGION, NC – The Triangle Crime Report (Sept. 29 – Oct. 5, 2025) reveals a turbulent week across the region — from arrests for a mass shooting in Alamance County that left five people injured to drug raids, violent assaults, and high-profile arrests. Authorities across the Triangle tackled everything from domestic violence stabbings and fentanyl busts to a former Raleigh police officer charged with sexually exploiting a crash victim. Each case underscores the importance of community awareness and cooperation with law enforcement.

ALAMANCE COUNTY

Arrests Made in Green Level Mass Shooting That Wounded Five (Oct. 1)

The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office announced the first arrests tied to the Sept. 20 mass shooting that left five people wounded during a late-night block party on Florence Street in Green Level. Cedrick Lamont Watson Jr., 20, of Orange County, was arrested and charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and possession of a firearm by a felon. Sheriff Terry Johnson said Watson, who has past charges including discharging a weapon into occupied property and possession of weapons of mass destruction, initially agreed to surrender but fled before being captured. He is held on a $2 million bond. Javiya A. Parker, 19, was also arrested and charged as an accessory after the fact for allegedly driving Watson from the scene. Investigators say more arrests and charges are expected as the case develops.

Burlington Police Investigate Early Morning Shooting on Beaumont Court (Oct. 1)

The Burlington Police Department is investigating a shooting on the 1300 block of Beaumont Court that happened just after midnight on Oct. 1. Officers found a victim with multiple gunshot wounds, who was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives say the Criminal Investigations Division is still in the early stages of the case and will release more details as they become available.

DURHAM COUNTY

Durham Police Seek Suspect in Downtown Parking Deck Shooting (Oct. 1 Alert)

The Durham Police Department is asking for the public’s help to find 30-year-old Lemuel Allen, wanted in connection with a Sept. 14 shooting at a parking garage in the 100 block of East Main Street. Officers responded just before 2 a.m. to reports of gunfire, and a man later arrived at a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Allen is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Anyone with information is asked to contact Inv. J. Kellar at 919-560-4440, ext. 29306 or provide anonymous tips to Durham CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200 or durhamcrimestoppers.org. Tips leading to felony arrests may earn up to $2,000 cash rewards.

Man Critically Injured in Shooting Outside Durham Nightclub (Oct. 5)

The Durham Police Department is investigating a shooting in the parking lot of a shopping plaza on the 1100 block of University Drive, near La Morena Night Club, that left one man with life-threatening injuries early Sunday morning. Officers found multiple shell casings scattered across the parking lot and a bullet hole in the club’s front window after the victim arrived at a local hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. Police have not released details about a suspect or motive, and the investigation is ongoing. 

JOHNSTON COUNTY

Two Arrested in Johnston County Drug Bust; Fentanyl & Meth Seized (Sept. 26)

Johnston County deputies arrested Cricia Dawnn Burress and Jodi Kay Creech Romero after a drug raid at 304 Deer Drive in the Brogden community on Sept. 26. Deputies say Burress was the focus of an undercover narcotics investigation and found 9.4 grams of suspected fentanyl, 35.9 grams of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia during the search. Romero, who was at the home, allegedly gave a false name and was wanted on a felony probation violation. Burress faces charges including maintaining a dwelling for drugs and possession with intent to sell/deliver, while Romero faces drug possession, identity theft, and probation violation charges. (Photos: Johnston County Report)

LEE COUNTY

Apex Teen Arrested in Sanford for Microsoft Computer Scam Targeting Elderly Victim (Oct. 2)

Avinash Chandreshbhai Patel, 19, of Apex, was arrested after authorities say he tried to collect money from an elderly victim as part of a fake Microsoft computer scam. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said scammers convinced the victim that their computer was locked and demanded payment to unlock it. After the victim withdrew thousands of dollars, Patel allegedly attempted to collect more money the next day but was arrested in person. Patel is charged with attempted obtaining property by false pretense and felony conspiracy, and is held on a $75,000 secured bond. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and more charges may follow.

ORANGE COUNTY

Durham Man Arrested After Hours-Long Standoff Linked to Chapel Hill Case (Oct. 3)

Brandon Stephens, 31, was taken into custody early Friday morning after a multi-hour standoff in Durham connected to an earlier incident in Chapel Hill. Officers were called to Culloden Circle around 11 p.m. when Stephens refused to exit his home. He is charged with three counts of false imprisonment, an outstanding second-degree kidnapping warrant, and additional charges tied to a September incident in Chapel Hill, where he allegedly led officers on a chase down Franklin Street and damaged several vehicles. Stephens was later released on bond.

Two Arrested After Road Rage Incident Involving Gunfire in Orange County (Oct. 4–5)

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office says a road rage confrontation on Lebanon Road ended with a passenger pointing a gun and firing shots into the air. Deputies report the driver of a red Honda Civic was driving aggressively, cut off another car, and stopped in a no-passing zone. The female passenger exited the car, pointed a revolver at the other driver, then got back in and fired two rounds into the sky as the car drove away. Deputies later found the vehicle at Lebanon Road and Mill Creek Road, recovering a revolver with two spent cartridges. The driver was charged with aggressive driving, while the female passenger faces charges of assault by pointing a firearm. No injuries were reported.

Carrboro Woman Arrested After Stabbing Girlfriend in Neck (Oct. 5)

Carrboro Police say 23-year-old Sinai Moreno was arrested after allegedly stabbing the woman she was dating during a domestic disturbance early Sunday morning at Poplar Place Apartments in the 600 block of Jones Ferry Road. Officers responded around 12:05 a.m. and found the victim with a stab wound to the back of her neck, reportedly caused by a box cutter. The victim was transported to UNC Hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Moreno is charged with assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence and was held in the Orange County Jail pending her first court appearance in Hillsborough.

VANCE COUNTY

Henderson Man Jailed for Threatening Local Government Officials on Social Media (Oct. 1)

Tracy Greenway, 50, of Henderson, was arrested after police say he posted threats on social media targeting town leaders and government officials in Vance County. The Henderson Police Department said Greenway was charged with solicitation to commit terrorism/mass shooting and is being held on a $90,000 bond. Authorities said the investigation remains active and no further details have been released.

WAKE COUNTY

Former Raleigh Police Officer Arrested for Sexual Misconduct While on Duty (Sept. 30)

Tremale Cogdell, 28, a now-former Raleigh police officer, was arrested after allegedly sexually exploiting a female crash victim while on duty and then obstructing a DUI investigation. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) says Cogdell drove the woman to his home instead of completing a crash investigation and engaged in sexual activity with her. He faces felony sexual misconduct of a person in custody, felony obstruction of justice, and misdemeanor willful neglect of duty. Police Chief Rico Boyce called the actions “troubling and disgraceful,” stressing that no one is above accountability — not even those who wear the badge.

Police Investigate Late-Night Shooting in Zebulon (Oct. 3)

Zebulon police are investigating after a person was shot late Friday night on Shannon Drive near NC-97 and Mack Todd Road. Neighbors reported hearing three gunshots and seeing a black car speed away. The victim’s name and condition have not been released, and no arrests have been announced.

Apex Police Drug & Gun Bust Nets Multiple Arrests (Oct. 2–3)

Apex police say a proactive crackdown on criminal activity led to several drug arrests and one gun arrest over two nights. On Thursday (Oct. 2), detectives working with the NC SBI seized a trafficking amount of cocaine and felony-level Schedule II and IV pills from a local dealer. Josiah Jamaal Robinson, 24, was arrested at a Shell station on East Williams Street and charged with trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to sell/deliver Schedule II & IV drugs, and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for drugs. He was held on a $125,000 secured bond. The following night, officers made additional arrests: three people charged with felony drug possession (Schedule I, II, VI), two with misdemeanor possession, one for illegally carrying a concealed handgun, and one for property damage.

Dunn Woman Throws Fentanyl at Wake County Deputy During Traffic Stop (Oct. 1)

A Wake County deputy was hospitalized after being exposed to fentanyl during a traffic stop on Auburn Knightdale Road. Deputies say Linda Guthrie Tripp, 49, of Dunn, allegedly threw fentanyl in the deputy’s face after being pulled over. Tripp faces multiple charges, including assault on a law enforcement officer with serious injury, resisting a public officer, and felony drug possession. She was given a $100,000 secured bond and is set to appear in Wake County Court on Thursday. The deputy is expected to recover, and Animal Control took custody of Tripp’s dog.

WAYNE COUNTY

Goldsboro Teen Arrested for Attempted First-Degree Murder in Shooting (Sept. 28)

18-year-old Jamir Lowery of Goldsboro was arrested Sunday in connection with a Sept. 25 shooting that left another 18-year-old man injured in the 3200 block of Central Heights Road. The victim was treated at UNC Health Wayne and later discharged. Lowery was charged with attempted first-degree murder and made his first appearance in Wayne County Court on Monday, where a $250,000 secured bond was set. He is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 13.

Why the Triangle Crime Report Matters

The Triangle Crime Report helps keep residents across the 13-county area of the Triangle informed about significant crimes in their communities. By spotlighting serious incidents and ongoing investigations, Spectacular Magazine aims to empower the public to stay vigilant, support victims, and share tips that help law enforcement solve cases. Crime prevention starts with awareness and collaboration — and informed residents are safer residents.