Raleigh police have released a five-day report detailing a tense Feb. 19 officer-involved shooting in north Raleigh, where officers serving a search warrant were met with gunfire as they forced their way into an apartment. According to the memo, at least one officer was struck in the helmet and another officer’s ballistic shield took multiple hits before the suspect was subdued and later tied to a separate homicide case out of Garner.
We are providing a copy of the five-day report regarding an officer-involved shooting on February 19: https://t.co/3FVYr1vu9k https://t.co/UgcojImTjK
— City of Raleigh (@raleighgov) February 26, 2026
What the five-day report says
The memo, signed by Chief Rico L. Boyce and dated Feb. 26, says members of the Selective Enforcement Unit approached the front door of 7101‑K Woodbend Drive, announced themselves and forced entry. At that point, an individual identified as Solomon Thomas Owens allegedly fired 10 rounds from a Radical Firearms AR-style pistol chambered in .300 Blackout.
According to the City of Raleigh, Officer J.D. Rich was struck once in his ballistic helmet, while Officer Z.T. Hazzard’s ballistic shield was hit three times. Officer E.L. Trautz returned fire with two rounds that did not hit Owens. The report says officers then used a 40mm sponge round to immobilize Owens before taking him into custody, bringing an end to what could have been a much worse scene.
Charges and investigations
Local reporting indicates Owens was wanted in the Feb. 9 killing of Joseph “Joey” Adams in Garner and that officers tracked him to the north Raleigh apartment where the exchange unfolded, according to ABC11. Neighbors told reporters they saw a heavy police response at the complex, and officers stayed on scene for hours while investigators collected evidence.
Garner Police Chief Chris Adams told reporters he was thankful the officers were not more seriously hurt and said the department remains focused on seeking justice for Adams’ family.
Officer status and next steps
The five-day report notes that Officer J.D. Rich sustained minor injuries, was treated at a local hospital and released. Officer E.L. Trautz was placed on administrative duty after discharging his weapon, as is standard procedure, and has since been cleared to return to his assignment, according to the City of Raleigh.
The memo also states that officers’ body-worn cameras were activated and recording. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will conduct a criminal investigation, while Raleigh’s Office of Professional Standards will run an administrative review before forwarding materials to the Wake County District Attorney.
Federal prosecutors have since charged Owens with possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the weapon described in the report, and he remains held without bond pending further proceedings, WRAL reports. Court records show Owens also faces multiple state charges in Wake County and is expected to return to court in March.
