RALEIGH, NC — What began as a heated argument in a busy grocery store parking lot has ended with one man in the hospital facing multiple felony charges and police searching for additional suspects. The Raleigh Police Department is currently investigating a broad-daylight shooting that sent shockwaves through the Creedmoor Road community.
The Incident: From Argument to Gunfire
The violence erupted on Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot of the Food Lion on Creedmoor Road. According to Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce, the shooting appears to have stemmed from a verbal altercation between individuals in two different vehicles.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic sequence of events: as the argument escalated, shots were fired, causing bystanders to scramble for safety. Following the gunfire, the suspects fled the scene in different directions—one on foot and another in a vehicle, leaving a trail of evidence across North Raleigh.
The Pursuit and Crash
One of the individuals involved fled the Food Lion parking lot in a truck, but the escape was short-lived. Police report that the driver crashed at the intersection of Millbrook Road and Winthrop Road.
Following the collision, the driver reportedly jumped out of the wrecked vehicle and fled on foot. Shortly after, a 21-year-old man, later identified as Jalen Watson, arrived at a local hospital seeking treatment for a gunshot wound. Investigators believe Watson was the driver of the crashed truck. While his injuries were serious enough for hospitalization, authorities have confirmed they are non-life-threatening.
Suspect Identified and Facing Serious Charges
While Watson was the one shot during the altercation, Raleigh Police have made it clear that he is being viewed as more than just a victim in this case. As the investigation unfolded on Wednesday, Watson was hit with a litany of serious charges, including:
- Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill
- Felony possession of marijuana
- Possession of marijuana with intent to sell and deliver
Additionally, Watson was served with an outstanding warrant for two prior counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver. These charges suggest that the initial altercation may have had deeper ties to criminal activity beyond a simple parking lot dispute.
Police Hunt for Silver Nissan Rogue
The investigation is far from over. Raleigh detectives are still searching for the other party involved in the shootout. Police are specifically looking for information regarding a silver Nissan Rogue that was seen fleeing the Food Lion after the shots were fired.
As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made in connection with the other vehicle, and the individuals inside are considered armed and dangerous.
Raleigh Police Chief Vows “Jail Time”
Chief Rico Boyce released a stern statement following the incident, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for such brazen acts of violence in public shopping centers.
“The Raleigh Police Department will not tolerate this level of violence in our city,” Boyce stated. “We’re going to work with our law enforcement partners, the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to make sure we hold those individuals accountable and make sure that they receive jail time for their acts.”
Community Impact and How to Help
This shooting marks a concerning trend of “road rage” or parking lot disputes turning into gunfire in suburban areas. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near local businesses.
Do you have information? If you saw the silver Nissan Rogue or have dashcam footage from the Creedmoor Road or Millbrook Road areas on Wednesday, please contact the Raleigh Police Department at 919-996-3335 or visit Crimestoppers to leave an anonymous tip.
Local North Raleigh residents: Does this incident make you think twice about shopping in the Creedmoor area? Share your thoughts and safety concerns in the comments below.
