Winston-Salem's BEAR Team Reshapes Mental Health Emergency Response

New $3 million plan to tackle potholes and a deadly shooting investigation also in the news

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Winston-Salem's BEAR crisis team is now handling about six behavioral health calls a day, pairing a paramedic and clinician instead of police for non-violent emergencies. City leaders say the growing program eases pressure on police and EMS, connects residents to ongoing care, and reflects a more compassionate, public-health-focused approach to crises across local neighborhoods. Additionally, the city has approved a $3 million contract to tackle a surge in potholes, and police are investigating a deadly shooting at The Station Town Homes on Quantum Court.

Why it matters

The BEAR team's approach to mental health emergencies represents a shift towards a more compassionate and effective response, prioritizing connecting residents to ongoing care over traditional law enforcement methods. The pothole funding and homicide investigation also highlight the city's efforts to maintain public safety and infrastructure across Winston-Salem neighborhoods.

The details

The BEAR crisis team pairs a paramedic and clinician to respond to non-violent behavioral health calls, handling about six such calls per day. This model aims to ease the burden on police and EMS while providing a more appropriate, public-health-focused response. Meanwhile, the city has approved $3 million to tackle a surge in potholes through year-round patching and resurfacing. Separately, police are investigating a deadly shooting at The Station Town Homes on Quantum Court, where a 27-year-old man was killed. A 25-year-old suspect has been charged with felony murder, and authorities say the incident was tied to a prior altercation.

  • The BEAR crisis team is now handling about six behavioral health calls a day.
  • The city has approved a $3 million contract to tackle a surge in potholes.
  • The deadly shooting at The Station Town Homes on Quantum Court occurred on Friday.

The players

BEAR Crisis Team

A Winston-Salem program that pairs a paramedic and clinician to respond to non-violent behavioral health calls, providing a more compassionate and effective approach than traditional law enforcement methods.

Winston-Salem Officials

City leaders who have approved the $3 million contract to tackle potholes and emphasized the importance of safer roads for daily commutes, emergency response, and quality of life.

Winston-Salem Police Department

The department investigating a deadly shooting at The Station Town Homes on Quantum Court, where a 25-year-old suspect has been charged with felony murder.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.