Cpl. D.L. Powell was in guarded condition Sunday at Wake Medical Center after surgery for multiple bullet wounds to his arm, hand, stomach and back.
Investigators say Powell was working his off-duty security job at the Top Rank Sports Bar when a Pontiac Grand Am pulled into the bar's parking lot just after midnight.
When Powell went to talk to the driver, the suspect started shooting. Powell was shot five times.
Another officer working off-duty, A.T. McLeod, returned fire at the suspect.
Marvin Williams, a bystander, was hit in the ankle and also treated at WakeMed's emergency room and released.
Investigators spent all night at the scene, combing the parking lot for clues.
Police have arrested 21-year-old Custodio Olea Ramirez of Raleigh for the shooting. He is charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of cocaine.
Ramirez is also a suspect in a domestic shooting Saturday night. Officials say he shot at his girlfriend, but missed.
Investigators say anytime you have a case involving a fellow officer, it hits close to home.
"We're always shaken. Shaken is not strong enough a word. We had officers who were home in bed who heard about this and came in to assist," said Raleigh Interim Police Chief John Knox.
Powell was promoted to detective about a month ago and is with the narcotics division.
His wife Rhonda is also a Raleigh police officer. She works in the domestic violence unit.
The police department's Internal Affairs Unit is conducting an investigation into the use of force by Officer McLeod, as is their procedure anytime an officer discharges a weapon.
• Credits
Copyright 2023 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
