BREAKING NEWS: Shooting in Downtown Chapel Hill Leaves One Injured, Suspect in Custody
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A normally vibrant evening in downtown Chapel Hill turned chaotic on Thursday after gunfire erupted near a busy intersection, leaving one person injured and a community on edge.
At 6:14 p.m., the Chapel Hill Police Department responded to multiple reports of a shooting at the intersection of West Franklin Street and Graham Street, an area known for its popular local eateries and heavy foot traffic. In a statement released shortly after the incident, town officials confirmed that one victim suffering from gunshot wounds was located at the scene and transported to UNC Hospitals for treatment.
As of this report, the suspect has been taken into custody, and there is no ongoing threat to the public, according to police.
Area Locked Down as Police Investigate
The 500 block of West Franklin Street has been shut down to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic as law enforcement officers continue to investigate. The area surrounding Al’s Burger Shack and The Purple Bowl, two well-known local establishments, remains cordoned off with crime scene tape. Police cruisers, emergency vehicles, and detectives were seen canvassing the area, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim or the suspect, and the motive for the shooting remains unknown.
“This is an active investigation,” said Lt. Brandon Stewart of the Chapel Hill Police Department in a brief media statement Thursday evening. “We’re asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in this area around the time of the incident to come forward and speak with investigators.”
Community Reaction: Shock and Concern
The shooting took place in a bustling part of downtown Chapel Hill, just blocks away from the University of North Carolina campus. Local residents, students, and business owners expressed shock and concern about the incident, which took place during the dinner hour.
“I was walking to grab dinner when I heard what sounded like fireworks — then people started running,” said Taylor Jensen, a UNC junior who witnessed the aftermath. “It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen right here.”
Several nearby businesses immediately closed early, and patrons were either asked to stay inside or evacuated as officers secured the area.
“We’ve never had something like this happen so close,” said Dana Reynolds, manager at a nearby café. “Everyone’s shaken up. Our thoughts are with the person who was hurt.”
Town and University Officials Respond
Town officials released an email update to residents and media outlets around 7 p.m., confirming the suspect was in custody and the situation was under control. However, they urged residents to avoid the area as police continue their investigation.
Meanwhile, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill issued a community alert, notifying students and faculty of the incident and confirming that campus police were monitoring the situation closely. Counseling services have been made available for students experiencing distress in the wake of the shooting.
What Comes Next
As of Thursday evening, no additional victims have been reported. The identity and condition of the individual transported to UNC Hospitals have not been released, but sources indicate they are receiving emergency care.
The Chapel Hill Police Department is expected to release more information in the coming hours, including details about the suspect, potential charges, and updates on the investigation.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed via the Town of Chapel Hill’s official website and social media channels, and to report any relevant information to the Chapel Hill Police Department at (919) 968-2760.
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