Vehicle stopped on US-64 with a Wake County Sheriff’s patrol car positioned behind it, emergency lights flashing during an active shooting investigation
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US-64 Reopens After Driver Shot in Head Near Lizard Lick Road; Wake County Deputies Investigating

@SpectacularMag Staff
NCDOT traffic camera view of US-64 West closed between Lizard Lick Road and Rolesville Road, with long traffic backups and emergency vehicles lining the highway
An NCDOT traffic camera shows US-64 West between Lizard Lick Road and Rolesville Road completely shut down Thursday morning as law enforcement responded to the highway shooting. Traffic backed up for miles during the closure. (Credit: NCDOT)

RALEIGH, NC – A driver was shot in the head Thursday morning along US-64 in eastern Wake County, triggering a large emergency response, shutting down the westbound lanes for hours, and leaving the victim with life-threatening injuries, according to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

Initial Reports of a Highway Shooting

The incident began around 7:30 a.m., when the North Carolina Department of Transportation issued an alert announcing that US-64 westbound was closed near Lizard Lick Road as deputies responded to reports of gunfire.

Arriving deputies discovered a male driver suffering from a gunshot wound to the head inside a vehicle. Emergency responders transported him to the hospital with severe, life-threatening injuries.

Hours-Long Closure Impacts Morning Commute

Wake County Sheriff’s deputies investigating an SUV stopped on the shoulder of US-64, with patrol cars and emergency lights activated during a shooting investigation
Wake County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigate the scene on US-64 where a driver was found shot in the head Thursday morning. The victim’s SUV remained on the shoulder as crime scene personnel processed evidence. (Credit: ABC11)

All westbound lanes of US-64 between Lizard Lick Road and Rolesville Road were closed for several hours as deputies and forensic units processed the scene. The shutdown caused significant delays during the morning commute as drivers sought alternate routes.

The highway reopened just before 11:30 a.m. once investigators completed on-scene evidence collection.

Investigation Still Active

As of Thursday afternoon, deputies had not announced any suspects, arrests, or details about what led to the shooting. Investigators have not confirmed whether the incident was targeted or random.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at 919-856-6911.

This remains a developing investigation, and additional updates will be released as they become available.