Triangle Crime Report: Deadly Shootings, Drug Busts & School Scares | Week of May 5–11, 2025

TRIANGLE REGION, NC – Gunfire in Durham and Raleigh. A multi-county drug takedown. A tragic child’s death. A school officer assaulted. These were just a few of the troubling incidents reported across North Carolina’s Triangle region last week, May 5-11, 2025. From urban centers to smaller towns, law enforcement agencies responded to a wave of violence and public safety threats. Below is a county-by-county breakdown of the most significant crimes reported during the week of May 5–11, 2025, including fatalities, arrests, and ongoing investigations.

Alamance County

42 Arrested in Major Multi-County Drug Bust ‘Operation Roadrunner’

The Alamance Narcotics Enforcement Team (ANET), in coordination with the DEA and SBI, carried out Operation Roadrunner, a yearlong investigation targeting drug trafficking networks in central North Carolina. On May 9, the operation concluded with:

• 42 people arrested
• 18.6 kilograms of cocaine
• 159 pounds of marijuana
• 1,000 grams of methamphetamine
• 24.4 MDMA pills
• 25 firearms
• $876,812 in cash

The sheriff’s office said out of the 42 arrested, 25 are Alamance County residents, six from Guilford County, four from Rockingham County, four from Orange County, one from Durham County, one from Randolph County, and one from Johnson City, TN. Authorities say the bust targeted mid-level drug distributors operating across multiple counties.

Child Dies After Accidental Shooting in Mebane (May 8)

A child tragically died after what authorities say was an accidental shooting in Mebane, which is located in Alamance County. Police have not released the child’s name or age. The incident occurred inside a home and is under active investigation as officials determine whether charges will be filed.

Durham County

Teen Killed, Man Wounded in McDougald Terrace Shooting (May 9)

Durham Police responded to gunfire in the 1200 block of Dayton Street Friday afternoon. Two males—a teenager and an adult—were shot. The teen later died at the hospital; the adult was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No suspects have been arrested, and police believe the shooting was targeted.

Man Shot to Death on S. Benjamine Street (May 7)

At 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, police found a man fatally shot in the 2900 block of South Benjamine Street. Neighbors heard multiple gunshots and discovered the victim in a driveway. He was described as a father of two. No arrests have been made.

Wake County (Raleigh)

Mother’s Day Shooting at Big Ed’s North (May 11)

Chaos erupted inside Big Ed’s Restaurant on Falls of Neuse Road just after 12:30 p.m. Sunday. During a dispute, two men opened fire, injuring three patrons—two with gunshot wounds, one grazed. Police arrested Alexander Barnes, 23, and Jermaine Mitchell, 51, both of Raleigh.

Barnes was charged with:

• Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill
• Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury
• 3 counts of assault on a female
• Discharge a firearm in city limits

Mitchell was charged with:

• Assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury

The restaurant is regularly closed on Mondays and plans to be closed on Tuesday as the police investigation continues.

Nash County

Father Charged in Shooting of Son (May 6)

Authorities arrested Darrell Wallace, 63, after he allegedly shot his 34-year-old son, Brandon Wallace, in the head during an altercation at their home on Woodfield Drive in Nashville. Brandon remains in critical condition at WakeMed Hospital. Darrell is being held without bond, charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

Orange County

Police Chase Causes Road and School Closures (May 8)

A police chase through parts of Orange County forced road closures and a temporary lockdown at nearby schools. The chase ended with the suspect in custody. No injuries were reported, and law enforcement confirmed that school lockdowns were precautionary.

Johnston County

School Resource Officer Assaulted by Student

A School Resource Officer (SRO) at a Johnston County high school was assaulted by a student this week. The officer sustained minor injuries and received treatment. The student has been detained, and the case is being reviewed by the juvenile court system.

Guns & Narcotics Seized in Drug Undercover Operation

Dylan Thomas Vu, on probation for weapons and narcotics convictions, was arrested Wednesday morning (May 7)  after agents executed a search warrant at an apartment on Tide Circle off NC Highway 210 near Interstate 40 in Benson. During the raid at his McGee’s Crossroads area apartment, agents said they seized a dozen firearms, including a stolen gun and a Glock handgun that had been converted to a fully automatic handgun. Four automatic weapon conversion kits were located in the apartment along with a large undisclosed amount of cash. Approximately 200 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms were also found during Wednesday’s search warrant.

Vu was charged with five counts of possession of a weapon of mass destruction, possession of a stolen firearm, and felony possession with intent to manufacture sell or deliver a controlled substance. He was confined in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond. The investigation remains ongoing.

Granville County

Creedmoor Man Shot and Killed After High-Speed Pursuit (May 8)

A 53-year-old Creedmoor man, identified as Philip Aiken Brown, was shot and killed by a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper after a high-speed chase that began on I-85 South near Durham. The pursuit started when a trooper attempted to stop Brown’s vehicle for lacking a license plate. Brown allegedly provided false information and fled the scene. The chase ended with a crash, and Brown was shot after allegedly displaying a “dark object” and failing to comply with commands.

Vance County

Two Shot at Variety Wholesalers Facility in Henderson (May 9)

Two individuals were shot in the parking lot of the Variety Wholesalers facility in Henderson, which is involved in reopening Big Lots stores. The shooting occurred during business hours, and both victims were transported to the hospital with injuries. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.

Lee County

Sanford Man Charged with Assault and Kidnapping (May 7)

Victor Alfonso Villalba Bustamante, 41, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including statutory rape, abduction of a child, felony conspiracy to commit abduction, second-degree kidnapping, and solicitation of a minor by computer. The charges stem from an incident where Bustamante allegedly picked up a 14-year-old girl from school without permission.

Conclusion

The week of May 5–11, 2025, reflected a region on edge—from neighborhood shootings in Durham and domestic gun violence in Nash County to a massive regional drug sweep and a tragic accidental child death in Alamance. Meanwhile, Raleigh’s restaurant shooting on Mother’s Day and a student’s assault on a school officer in Johnston County added to a week of crisis across communities. As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies urge anyone with tips to speak out through CrimeStoppers or local police channels.

These incidents that occurred last week serve as stark reminders of the need for vigilance, community collaboration, and continued investment in public safety.

For more information or to report tips, contact your local law enforcement agency or CrimeStoppers.