Triangle Crime Report: 198 Felonies, Shooting Arrests & Drug Raids Mark a Busy Week

RESEARCH TRIANGLE REGION, N.C. — The week of Sept. 8–14, 2025, saw a wave of significant arrests and investigations across the Triangle — from a Durham graduation party shooting suspect captured to a Wayne County caretaker facing 198 felony charges. Law enforcement also tackled drug busts, car break-ins, nightclub gunfire, and multi-county coordinated operations, keeping both officers and residents on high alert.

DURHAM COUNTY

Man Charged in Durham Graduation Party Shooting (Sept. 9)

Durham Police arrested Ricario Purefoy, 20, in connection with a June 16 shooting that injured two teens at a graduation party on Fayetteville Street. He faces multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm into occupied property, felony conspiracy, and drug-related offenses. Both victims survived, and investigators are still seeking additional witnesses and suspects.

Durham County Teen Charged in Durham Motel Murder (Sept. 12)

Dwayne Anthony Lovett Jr., 17, was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Suliman Nazir Burnette, 18, at the SureStay Plus Hotel on Hillsborough Road last month. Court documents allege Lovett fired a 9mm handgun into the lobby, killing Burnette. Lovett is being held under a $1.5 million bond in Cumberland County and is scheduled for his first court appearance Monday.

Man Injured in Downtown Durham Shooting (Sept. 14)

Durham police responded to reports of gunfire around 1:50 a.m. at 106 Main, a bar in the 100 block of East Main Street, close to the parking garage on South Mangum Street. Officers located evidence of a shooting and later confirmed that a victim arrived at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been announced.

Meade Lane Shooting Leaves Man Critically Injured (Sept. 14)

Just before 2:30 a.m., Durham officers were called to a second, unrelated shooting in the 2000 block of Meade Lane. They found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound; he was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Forensics teams processed the scene, and police continue to investigate with no suspects in custody at this time.

GRANVILLE COUNTY

Disturbance Leads to Felony Charges, Weapons, and Drugs Seized (Sept. 8)

Oxford Police responded to a domestic disturbance at a home on E. McClanahan St., just across from the police station. Officers saw illegal narcotics and prohibited weapon accessories in plain view. A search warrant led to the seizure of cocaine, marijuana, heroin packaging materials, digital scales, and two stolen AR-15 rifles — one a machine gun. The renter, Darrell Villines II, a convicted felon, faces multiple felony charges, including possession of a weapon of mass destruction.

HALIFAX COUNTY

Wanted Man Leads Deputies on Chase, Apprehended After Foot Pursuit

Deputy J. Morales attempted a traffic stop on Washington Avenue after a registration check revealed an active warrant. The driver, Hanif Abdul Evans, 43, fled, leading deputies on a chase before bailing out on Pine Street. He was apprehended and charged with felony flee to elude arrest, resist/delay/obstruct, and reckless driving to endanger. Evans is held under bond with court dates set.

JOHNSTON COUNTY

Johnston County Drug Raid Nets Nine Arrests, $1,650 in Meth Seized (Sept. 10)

Deputies arrested nine suspects during a raid on a condemned property on Parkertown Road in Four Oaks, seizing methamphetamine valued at $1,650 and drug paraphernalia. Charges include maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, possession with intent to sell, and conspiracy. The property had been under surveillance for months and was previously raided in March 2024.

Four Arrested in $2,200 Walmart Electronics Theft Conspiracy (Sept. 9)

Smithfield Police arrested four suspects — Willie Troy Flowers, Gregory Thomas Lyons, Shantere Trevon Dunbar, and Donovan Warren Bivins — accused of conspiring to steal more than $2,200 in electronics from Walmart on N. Brightleaf Boulevard. Police recovered the merchandise and tools used in the theft. All face felony larceny and conspiracy charges.

ORANGE COUNTY

Multiple Staff Injured in Fights at East Chapel Hill High (Sept. 12)

Police responded to two separate student fights on Friday at East Chapel Hill High School, leading to five staff members being injured while trying to intervene. The school was briefly placed on a “hold” security status before resuming normal dismissal. No weapons were involved, and Chapel Hill Police are still investigating whether charges will be filed. School leaders praised staff and students who remained calm and confirmed that counseling support is available.

WAKE COUNTY

Shots Fired Outside StarBar, No Injuries Reported (Sept. 13)

Just before 4 a.m. Saturday, Raleigh Police heard gunfire near StarBar Soul Food Restaurant and Lounge on Trawick Road while responding to another call. Officers recovered at least six shell casings but reported no injuries and no arrests. The nightclub has faced scrutiny before, with its alcohol permits suspended due to multiple violent incidents. Police say this remains an active investigation.

Woman Arrested After Firing Gun Near Father at Cook Out (Sept. 13)

Alshanice Nicole Toney, 31, was arrested after allegedly firing shots near her father’s feet outside the Cook Out on Jones Sausage Road. No injuries were reported. Toney faces three misdemeanor charges and was released on a $1,000 bond.

Dozens of Car Break-Ins at Nelly Concert, Gun Stolen Reported (Sept. 13)

Concertgoers at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek returned Saturday night to find car windows smashed and belongings stolen. Raleigh Police confirmed at least one gun was stolen and said more may have been taken. One person has been arrested in connection with the break-ins, which follow a string of similar incidents at the venue and across the city this year. Authorities urge drivers to lock vehicles, avoid leaving valuables inside, and park in well-lit areas.

WARREN COUNTY

Shooting Into Occupied Dwelling Leads to Four Arrests in Warren County (Sept. 11)

A report of shots fired into an occupied home on August 6 led to a multi-agency investigation and four arrests. Deputies found the Norlina residence struck by gunfire, prompting a vehicle pursuit that ended when suspect Zacceus Harrington, 20, crashed into a patrol car. He was arrested, and a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine was recovered. Three additional suspects — Jahiem Johnson, 20, of Norlina; Markavious Townes, 20, of Henderson; and Elijah Williams-Harrison, 21, of Warrenton — were later arrested on Sept. 11 during a coordinated operation with SBI, FBI Raleigh/Durham Safe Streets Task Force, and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office. Evidence seized included an AR-style rifle. All suspects face charges, including Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling, Going Armed to the Terror of the Public, and Injury to Real Property, and are being held without bond.

WAYNE COUNTY

Woman Charged with 198 Felonies in $40K Exploitation Case

Crystal Marie Anderson, 37, of La Grange, was arrested for taking about $40,000 from an elderly or disabled victim over several months. She faces 197 counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of felony exploitation of an older or disabled adult. Deputies said Anderson used her position as a caretaker to steal money through multiple transactions dating back to September 2024. She was booked into the Wayne County Detention Center on a $130,000 bond.

CONCLUSION

From graduation party shootings to multi-county drug raids and a staggering 198 felony charges, the Triangle saw a week packed with high-impact cases. Authorities urge residents to stay aware, report suspicious activity, and help make their neighborhoods safer.