Raleigh Officers Injured in Shootout with Suspect

Five-day report details Feb. 19 incident where officers were fired upon while serving a warrant

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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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. 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.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the dangers officers face when serving warrants and the potential for violence when executing high-risk operations. It also raises questions about officer safety protocols and the need for continued training to prepare for these types of confrontations.

The details

According to the memo, 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. 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. Officers then used a 40mm sponge round to immobilize Owens before taking him into custody.

  • The incident occurred on February 19, 2026.
  • The five-day report was signed by Chief Rico L. Boyce and dated February 26, 2026.

The players

Solomon Thomas Owens

The suspect who allegedly fired on the officers while they were serving a search warrant.

Officer J.D. Rich

An officer who was struck in the helmet during the shootout.

Officer Z.T. Hazzard

An officer whose ballistic shield was hit multiple times during the incident.

Officer E.L. Trautz

An officer who returned fire during the shootout.

Chief Rico L. Boyce

The Raleigh police chief who signed the five-day report.

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What they’re saying

“We are providing a copy of the five-day report regarding an officer-involved shooting on February 19.”

— Raleigh Police Department (Twitter)

“I was thankful the officers were not more seriously hurt and said the department remains focused on seeking justice for Adams' family.”

— Chris Adams, Garner Police Chief (ABC11)

What’s next

Federal prosecutors have charged Owens with possession of a firearm by a felon, and he remains held without bond pending further proceedings. 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.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks officers face when executing high-stakes warrants and the need for continued training and safety protocols to protect them. It also highlights the importance of thorough investigations to ensure accountability and justice for all involved.