'Most dangerous block in Raleigh' has 619 crimes reported in past five years

WRAL News dug into the crime statistics for the 3100 stretch of New Bern Avenue area and learned that while violent crime is down overall in the city over this time last year, this particular area has more calls for police service than most.

Research reveals that 619 crimes have been reported in this area, with 57 of them defined as 'violent' crimes, in the past five years.

On Monday night, four people were shot in one night at a motel on this stretch of New Bern Avenue, where guests say they couldn't wait to check out the next day.

Investigators found shell casings littering the ground near the front door of the motel when they arrived. At least one vehicle had bullet holes in a window and the windshield.

Three victims were taken to WakeMed with non-life-threatening injuries. A fourth person, Kyvonte Taylor, 21, was taken to the hospital in a private car. He died as a result of the shooting.

Two of the victims were shot in their rooms, while the other two were shot in the parking lot. It's unclear if the incidents are connected, and a motive or suspect for the shootings wasn't immediately known.

One guest at the Wake Inn said she spent the night scared to death in her room.

"Too much things been going on around here, that's all I'm going to say," said Lisa Johnson, a guest.

People who stay at the Wake Inn on a regular basis say they aren't surprised by the shootings, as illegal activity and violence occurs on the property regularly.

"You get beat up. Robbed. Stabbed. Shooting, cutting, whatever," said hotel guest Oliver West. "That's why I took my knife."

Melvin Santos, who lives in the neighborhood across the street from the motel, says he's had enough of the crime.

"I don't know what's wrong with this neighborhood," he said. "It's kind of dangerous."

He said he'd like to move and live somewhere safer.

Anyone with information that might assist the investigation is asked to call Raleigh Crime Stoppers at 919-834-HELP or visit raleighcrimestoppers.org for text and email reporting options.