A string of recent shootings and violent incidents involving teenagers is raising new concerns about youth violence across Raleigh, from downtown to neighborhood streets.

From a downtown shooting involving a 14-year-old to a deadly neighborhood case earlier this spring, community advocates say the pattern highlights a growing need for intervention and accountability.

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14-year-old charged in Glenwood Avenue shooting

Police say a 14-year-old is facing charges after a shooting along Glenwood Avenue, one of Raleigh's busiest nightlife districts.

According to Raleigh Police Department, the teen is accused of opening fire in the area around 2:20 a.m. on April 12.

A man was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officials have not released the teen's name due to age. The teen is facing multiple charges:

  • Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill
    • Going armed to the terror of the public
      • Injury to personal property
        • Discharging a firearm within city limits
          • Possession of a handgun by a minor

            The investigation remains ongoing.

            Teen fights at Triangle Town Center 

            Multiple teenagers were involved in a fight that led to a triple shooting at Triangle Town Center on April 17.

            Raleigh police said three 17-year-olds arrived at the mall, and then confronted and assaulted a 20-year-old working there. According to the police, the 20-year-old had a handgun and shots were fired.

            Three people were shot and taken to the hospital. Police said their injuries were not life-threatening.

            Two handguns were recovered from the scene.

            No charges were filed following the incident.

            The day after the shooting, Triangle Town Center opened late, but just two hours later, a large fight broke out near the food court.

            Raleigh police did not specify the ages of those involved in the fight on April 18, but store workers told WRAL that violence among juveniles is common at the mall.

            Authorities said mall security intervened in the fight before police arrived. No charges were filed in the incident.

            Teenage boy killed, teenager arrested in March neighborhood shooting

            In March, officials with the Raleigh Police Department responded to a shooting at a neighborhood in Southeast Raleigh.

            Raleigh police said officers responded to a shooting on Springshire Court just before 12 p.m. on March 20. After they arrived, they found a juvenile male with a gunshot wound. 

            That teen was later identified as 15-year-old Cayden Alston-Arnold.

            A juvenile suspect was taken into custody the day of the shooting, but it's unclear if they were  charged.

            Advocates: Root causes must be addressed

            For community advocates, the recent violence is deeply concerning.

            "When is it ever gonna stop? When is there an ending to this stuff," said Diana Powell, violence prevention specialist for Raleigh Boots on the Ground.

            She said education, mentorship and outreach are critical to preventing future violence. That includes families, schools, law enforcement and community organizations working together to intervene.

            WRAL reached out to Raleigh Police Department with questions about youth violence trends and prevention efforts. 

            Those questions include:

            • How many juvenile gun-related cases have been reported so far in 2026?
              • What programs are currently in place to prevent youth violence?
                • What data shows those programs are effective?

                  WRAL has not heard back.