An NC State senior faces serious charges after a string of random Raleigh highway shootings left drivers fearing for their lives.
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RALEIGH, NC
– An NC State student has been arrested in Raleigh, North Carolina, following a series of alarming shootings on local highways that has left the community shaken. Andrew Thomas Graney, 23, is accused of randomly firing at cars and buildings along Interstates 40 and 440, a spree that began earlier this week, police said.
A String of 12 Shootings Near Raleigh’s Highways
Since Monday, the Raleigh Police Department has responded to 12 separate incidents involving shots fired at vehicles and homes near the busy highways. Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson confirmed in a press briefing that “we do believe that the 12 incidents are related.”
She added that the shootings occurred along the same highways and happened within the same time period, leading authorities to link the cases.
Charges Against Graney and Background
Graney, who is a senior anthropology major at NC State, has been formally charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury, as well as 11 counts of firing a weapon into an occupied vehicle or dwelling. The university confirmed that Graney has been enrolled since fall 2019.
Police took a second individual into custody at a Raleigh residence alongside Graney on Thursday, though they have since been released without any charges, police reported.
Court Appearance and Bond Hearing
During his initial court appearance, a judge ordered Graney held without bond, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “This is one of those cases that put fear in the heart of the entire community,” said Judge Debra Sasser.
Assistant District Attorney Stacy Newton, speaking on behalf of the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, provided further chilling details. Newton explained that Graney allegedly targeted seven vehicles and three homes during the spree. She added that the police linked Graney to the shootings using cell phone data and his vehicle, which matched the description of one spotted near several of the crime scenes.
Key Evidence Tying Graney to the Crimes
Investigators presented critical evidence in the case, including cell phone records that placed Graney at each shooting location over the four-day period. Police also recovered .45-caliber shell casings from the scenes, and a .45-caliber handgun was found inside Graney’s vehicle. Newton confirmed this match and emphasized the randomness and “senseless” nature of the incidents, remarking that this series of shootings “put this community on edge.”
Graney attended the court appearance virtually and has requested a public defender.
Injured Driver and Community Impact
The community’s alarm heightened after a woman was injured on Monday when a bullet struck her leg as she was driving along the interstate. While her injuries were not life-threatening, the incident raised concerns for other drivers in the area.
Following the shootings, Raleigh Police urged drivers to remain vigilant, particularly those traveling in the early morning hours on I-40. Patterson noted that police are still investigating whether the shots were fired from a moving vehicle or by someone on foot.
A Call for Community Assistance
As investigations continue, Patterson has asked anyone with surveillance or dashcam footage of the affected areas to come forward, hoping it may shed light on additional details about the case. The police remain committed to securing public safety and bringing all responsible parties to justice.
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Crime
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North Carolina
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