A Raleigh police officer was shot in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Tuesday night. Two people, including the suspect in the shooting, are dead.

On Wednesday afternoon, Raleigh police identified the victim as John Rowe, 73. Police identified the suspect as Antonio Rodrigues, 70.

Other WRAL Top Stories

On Wednesday afternoon, Raleigh police did not identify the officer injured.

"Our officer suffered a serious gunshot wound in an exchange of shots with the suspect," Raleigh Deputy Chief Rico Boyce said.

Late Tuesday night, Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson said the officer was out of surgery and is in critical condition. 

"I want to thank the community for your patience," Patterson said. "The last couple of days have been difficult for our city. What we've endured is heavy."

Burglary attempt, shooting in Raleigh's Renaissance Park

According to Patterson, officers responded to a report of a burglary in progress around 5:30 p.m. at a home on Democracy Street in the Renaissance Park subdivision.

A woman who called 911 told dispatchers she knew the suspect from a previous relationship.

Shortly after they arrived, officers said they heard shots coming from inside the home.

Radio traffic reveals that the suspect barricaded himself in the garage while firing shots.

"This probably all started around 5:50," Drew Duffy told WRAL News.

"The police are, wow, they're flying down the highway right now," he told WRAL's Ashley Rowe in a phone conversation just after 6:30 p.m.

"This is happening right now."

As WRAL's Shaun Gallagher reported from the scene, officers asked him to move back, to take shelter behind a police vehicle. Multiple shots could be heard as Gallagher explained the developing situation.

Carlos Jenkins, who was out for a walk to get something to eat, told WRAL News he heard at least eight shots.

"I would describe it as like GTA (Grand Theft Auto, a videogame). You don't ever see this many police out here," Jenkins said.

An emergency alert issued to mobile phones in the area advised those in the area of Tryon Road and U.S. 70/401, "GO INSIDE & STAY INSIDE NOW." Just after 7:30 p.m., police issued an all clear for the Renaissance Park neighborhood.

A caravan of police vehicles rolled out of the neighborhood, carrying the injured officer to a hospital. Within minutes, New Bern Avenue was closed between the exit from Interstate 440 and WakeMed in Raleigh. 

"Our officer suffered a serious gunshot wound. He is in the hospital at this time and needs your prayers," Boyce said.

Patterson said the investigation will be ongoing, and the police department will release a five-day report on the incident.