Throughout the month of July and into the first few days of August, the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington Police Department, and Graham Police Department have received multiple reports of shootings into occupied dwellings and other structures that are believed to be all related to the same group of individuals.
Most of the shootings involved vehicles and traditional “drive-by” shootings. In addition, law enforcement believes that the individuals are juveniles between the ages of 15-17. As of now, there has been one incident that resulted in someone being struck by the gunfire. However, in many of the houses that have been hit, there were numerous close calls with victims only inches away from the path of bullets. The investigation into these shootings is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are working together to identify and charge the individuals responsible.
The law enforcement agencies in Alamance County are requesting the public’s help in the following ways:
- Lock your vehicles. The individuals involved in these shootings almost always utilize stolen vehicles. The common M.O. is to go to a subdivision or apartment complex and pull on door handles until they find one open. If keys are in the car, they steal it and then use it to facilitate the commission of crimes. Furthermore, they are searching these unlocked vehicles for firearms to steal and have been very successful so far. Do not leave firearms in your vehicle.
- If you have a teenager, know where they are. Also, please keep up with who they communicate with on social media. These individuals are using various social media accounts to communicate with each other, and many times they use accounts that are completely unknown to their parents or guardians.
- See something, say something. If you hear information about the shootings, no matter how small it may be, report it to your local law enforcement agency or Alamance County Crime Stoppers (336-229-7100 or download the mobile app P3Tips). The report can be completely anonymous and may be the crucial piece of information needed to stop a future shooting.