By Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
On Tuesday morning, Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce addressed the spike in violent crime across the city in recent weeks in a press conference outlining the scope of the violence and the department’s plan to restore public safety.
“This recent cluster of violence threatens the perception of safety of our residents, our visitors, and our overall sense of security within our community,” Boyce said. “Over the past 10 days, we’ve had multiple violent incidents that were publicized in the news.”
The recent surge includes a series of shootings, stabbings, and large public altercations—many of them occurring in well-trafficked areas like downtown Raleigh and the Glenwood South nightlife district.
Among the most alarming incidents was a shooting at Triangle Town Center on April 17. Police say three juveniles fought a mall employee, and the altercation escalated into gunfire, leaving three people injured. The mall was evacuated and closed for the evening before reopening the next day. The Wake County District Attorney's Office has indicated that charges are likely forthcoming.
In addition to shootings, two large fights involving weapons created chaos in public spaces downtown, further intensifying concerns about safety in Raleigh’s busiest areas.
Chief Boyce emphasized that a key component of the response involves increasing police presence in areas most affected by nightlife-related violence.
He said the department is “increasing the size of patrol force at and near bars, clubs, transportation hubs, and the hospitality corridor,” with a particular focus on downtown and Glenwood South.
Another major initiative is strengthening inter-agency collaboration with the Wake County ABC Board Law Enforcement Division, based in Garner:
“Through this collaboration, we can more effectively address problem establishments and take a proactive step to reduce crime in our nightlife areas,” Boyce said.
These efforts fall under what Boyce described as the department’s broader Strategic Partnerships for Operational Success, an initiative that combines resources across agencies to respond more effectively to crime trends.
Many of the violent events involve large groups, escalate quickly, and occur in public or commercial spaces. This combination has heightened public visibility and concern, even as police continue to make arrests in several cases.
Boyce acknowledged the urgency of the moment while reaffirming the department’s mission:
“These actions lead to one priority: protecting our community and preventing further violence in our great city.”
Chief Boyce, who became Raleigh’s 31st police chief in February, brings 25 years of experience within the department. Announced by City Manager Marchell Adams-David, his career began as a patrol officer in Raleigh’s Southeast District, rising through the ranks to Deputy Chief before taking on the department’s top role.
Now, just months into his tenure, Boyce faces one of the most visible public safety challenges in recent years.
