19-year-old shot, killed in Raleigh park; two 17-year-olds in custody

Witnesses told police that Miguel Bejaran was shot in the parking lot near the basketball court, next to Green Road Community Center, at about 7:30 p.m.

Police Chief Estella Patterson said information from a private security firm led investigators to two 17-year-olds, who were arrested.

Their names were withheld because they are underage. The cases will first go to juvenile court, but they might eventually be tried as adults.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again: If you commit violent crime in our city, we're coming after you. We're not going to be tolerant of it," Patterson said at an afternoon news conference at the park.

The Raleigh Police Department has prioritized reducing violent crime by increasing patrols at trouble spots, targeting violent offenders and pushing for swift prosecution of gun-related cases, the chief said.

So far this year, police have confiscated 783 firearms in the city, which is 38 percent more than during the same period a year ago, Patterson said.

"One of the things that disturbing to me is that we're seeing more cases involving juvenile victims and suspects," she said, blaming the ongoing pandemic for the increase because youths have extra time on their hands with fewer available activities.

Police are trying to partner with youth groups, she said. Gerald Givens, president of the Raleigh/Apex NAACP, said his organization expects to roll out plans next month for violence intervention programs aimed at youths.

"We'll be right by the chief's side and the rest of the community to make sure we're safe," Givens said.

Green Road Park is off Capital Boulevard and Calvary Drive, about 3 miles south of Triangle Town Center.

"It is nerve-wracking. We’re getting ready to move to this area, and I assumed it was safe," said Gwen Potter, who was visiting the nearby Green Road Community Library.

"When I come over here from time to time, I see a lot of young people. Many of them are playing basketball," said Bernard Love, an Army veteran who says he walks through Green Road Park at least three times a week. "It is upsetting. So many young people are misguided."

“It’s troubling. It really gives you pause to think about what kind of support do kids have in the neighborhood to keep them out of trouble [and] to keep them constructively occupied," Potter said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Raleigh Crime Stoppers at 919-834-HELP or to go to the Crime Stoppers website at www.raleighcrimestoppers.org for instructions on how to report a tip online or by text message.