Activist who gave list of demands to Raleigh police faces felony charges related to returning a rental car

Conrad James was arrested early Friday by members of the Wake County Sheriff's Office, with knowledge of prior pending warrants by the Fuquay-Varina Police Department.

His arrest came hours after he spoke at Thursday's virtual Raleigh City Council meeting. He was one of a number of people who were given a minute to make public comments to the council members.

Raleigh police chief talks with protester, takes list of demands

According to a public record release from the Fuquay-Varina Police Department, James, 27, of Willow Spring, has been charged with felony failure to return a motor vehicle. His court date is June 25.

The branch manager of the Enterprise in Fuquay-Varina, told police a rental vehicle, a 2020 gray Nissan Versa, was not returned by April 21 by James. The vehicle was rented on April 14.

The manager reported he had made multiple attempts to contact with James and mailed a letter to him to return the vehicle. James told the business he had lost the keys in Alabama and could not return the vehicle. The manager reported the incident to the Fuquay-Varina Police Department requesting an investigation.

A warrant was later obtained, and the vehicle was located in Cary. The branch manager then requested additional charges for damage to the vehicle on June 3. An additional warrant was obtained for misdemeanor injury to personal property.

Friday night, Raleigh police released a statement:

"Mr. James showed up at the Raleigh PD North District on Wednesday afternoon and began creating a disturbance by banging on the station doors and windows, demanding to be let in even though signage is clearly posted that the station is closed to the public due to COVID-19. Eventually, Chief Deck-Brown went outside, listened to his concerns and spoke with him (captured by WRAL).

"Later that night, RPD learned that there was a felony warrant and a misdemeanor warrant on Mr. James. Since the address for Mr. James is listed in Willow Spring, which is in the Wake County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, RPD contacted WCSO to request their assistance to serve the felony arrest warrant on Mr. James."