Booking photographs of Darryl Avery Fulton and Essence Larita Abraham, who face separate charges following a reported car theft and shooting at a Raleigh Sheetz.
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Raleigh Sheetz Car Theft Takes Wild Turn: Both Vehicle Owner and Suspected Thief Face Charges

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

RALEIGH, NC — A suspected car theft outside a Raleigh Sheetz convenience store took a dangerous turn early Wednesday morning when the vehicle’s owner allegedly opened fire as a woman drove away in his car. Now, both the vehicle owner and the suspected thief are facing criminal charges.

According to the Raleigh Police Department, officers responded to the Sheetz at 8101 Glenwood Avenue at approximately 2:48 a.m. on November 11, 2026, following a report of a motor vehicle theft.

Vehicle Owner Allegedly Fires Multiple Shots

Fulton

Investigators said Darryl Avery Fulton, 59, reported that he was inside the convenience store when an unknown woman entered his vehicle and began driving away.

As the woman attempted to leave the parking lot, Fulton allegedly fired several shots into the air before directing additional gunfire toward the moving vehicle.

Police said the vehicle was struck multiple times.

Despite the gunfire, the woman was not injured, and authorities reported no other injuries connected to the incident.

Suspected Car Thief Located Nearby

Police subsequently identified the woman as Essence Larita Abraham, 29.

According to investigators, Abraham was located a short time later in the surrounding area, still in possession of the allegedly stolen vehicle.

Although the incident began as a motor vehicle theft investigation, the gunfire resulted in additional criminal charges against the vehicle’s owner.

Both Individuals Face Criminal Charges

Following the investigation, Raleigh Police announced the following charges:

Darryl Avery Fulton, 59:

  • Assault With a Deadly Weapon
  • Discharge Weapon into Occupied Property
  • Discharge Firearm Within the City Limits
Abraham

Essence Larita Abraham, 29:

  • Larceny of Motor Vehicle

The charges against Fulton stem from his alleged actions during the attempted recovery of his vehicle, while Abraham’s charge relates to the reported theft.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

Raleigh Police have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the incident.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Raleigh Police Department at (919) 996-1315. Anonymous information may also be submitted through Raleigh Crime Stoppers.

Both individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.