Raleigh police shot and killed a man who was throwing Molotov cocktails at police vehicles on Saturday. Multiple officers opened fire after the man reportedly threw one of the “incendiary weapons” at an officer.
From @raleighpolice: Four officers discover man throwing molotov cocktails, one device came near an officer in RPD lot off Rock Quarry Road. Shots then fired. Body cameras were on. In all, 2 vehicles set on fire by the man. All this unfolding around 1:20p.
SBI investigating. pic.twitter.com/v5Z44P6NdR— Tim Pulliam (@TimABC11) May 8, 2022
The shooting occurred at the Raleigh Police Southeast District Saturday afternoon, according to WRAL 5.
Law enforcement officials said officers observed the suspect throwing what they believed to be Molotov cocktails at police vehicles in the parking lot of the police station. At least two vehicles were torched by the suspect before officers could respond.
According to Raleigh Police Chief Estella D. Patterson, officers commanded the suspect to stop a number of times, but he continued to advance.
“The individual continued to throw multiple Molotov cocktails in the parking lot and eventually towards our officers who were there and eventually did throw one to officers who were in close proximity to him,” said Patterson. Multiple officers then fired their weapons, hitting the suspect several times.
Immediately after the shooting, Raleigh police officers provided CPR until EMS arrived. The suspect was then rushed to an area hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The suspect’s identity and motivations are unknown as of this time.
Four officers have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is reviewed.
Raleigh police said the shooting was captured by both body camera footage and the station’s security cameras. Said footage has yet to be released as of this time.
A witness appears to have captured the incident via cell phone video. The video shows multiple officers with weapons drawn followed by an orange flash. Immediately after the flash, which is believed to be one of the suspect’s Molotov cocktails, Raleigh police officers opened fire.
Video of the @raleighpolice shooting yesterday. Looks like multiple officers against a man with an explosive device (Molotov Cocktail). I’ve heard the same suspect tried to burn a gas station down on Friday. Sadly I’m just getting for “Blame The Cops Monday.” #Raleigh #NCPol pic.twitter.com/cMSeoxWNw3
— 𝐊𝐂 𝐎'𝐃𝐞𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 (@KCOnTheRadio) May 8, 2022
An internal investigation is underway as well as an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation, WRAL reported. More details are expected to be released over the next few days.