Man Charged Federally After Shootout with Raleigh Police

Solomon Owens faces federal gun charges in addition to state murder warrant

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Raleigh man named Solomon Owens has been charged federally after a shootout with Raleigh police officers last week. Owens was wanted on a state murder warrant related to a road rage killing in Garner, and when police went to arrest him, he opened fire, injuring two officers. Owens was taken into custody after being shot with a non-lethal sponge round, and is now facing federal charges for possession of a firearm by a felon.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face when attempting to apprehend violent suspects, as well as the importance of federal and local authorities working together to prosecute repeat offenders and keep communities safe.

The details

According to police, Owens was wanted on a murder warrant related to a road rage shooting in Garner on February 9th, where he allegedly killed Joseph Adams after feeling that Adams did not let him change lanes. When Raleigh police went to Owens' apartment on February 19th to take him into custody, Owens opened fire, striking one officer's helmet and another officer's ballistic shield. Owens then fled his apartment and hid behind a woman holding an infant, before being shot with a non-lethal sponge round and taken into custody.

  • On February 9, 2026, Owens allegedly shot and killed Joseph Adams in a road rage incident in Garner.
  • On February 19, 2026, Raleigh police went to Owens' apartment to arrest him on the murder warrant.

The players

Solomon Owens

A Raleigh man who was wanted on a state murder warrant and is now facing federal charges for possession of a firearm by a felon after a shootout with Raleigh police.

Joseph Adams

The victim of a road rage shooting allegedly committed by Owens on February 9, 2026.

Raleigh Police Department

The law enforcement agency that attempted to apprehend Owens and was involved in the shootout.

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What’s next

Owens is being detained at the Wake County Detention Center, and if convicted, he could face life in prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for strong coordination between federal and local law enforcement to address gun violence and hold repeat offenders accountable, in order to protect public safety in communities.