A North Carolina State University student has been arrested in connection with a series of shootings across southwest Raleigh, affecting local neighborhoods and nearby highways. Evidence, including matching shell casings and cell tower data, helped link the student to the incidents.
RALEIGH, NC (2-minute read) — A North Carolina State University student, 23-year-old Andrew Thomas Graney, has been charged in connection with a string of recent shootings in southwest Raleigh. Facing multiple felony charges, Graney is accused of carrying out gunfire incidents across several locations, including homes and vehicles near I-40, between November 4th and November 7th.
According to search warrants obtained by WRAL, police seized a range of items from Graney’s residence on Kentford Court, southwest Raleigh, where he was apprehended. These items included a .45 caliber handgun, a loaded magazine, ammunition, and shell casings, along with digital devices such as a camera and laptop. Authorities also obtained a warrant to search his vehicle, a 2015 Hyundai Sonata, for additional evidence.
Graney’s arrest followed a series of events linking him to gunfire that struck several homes and vehicles, including multiple cars on Interstate 40. Officers found .45 caliber shell casings at several crime scenes, which matched the firearm located in Graney’s possession. Police also examined cell phone tower data, helping to trace his vehicle to the locations of the shootings, which created significant public safety concerns in the Raleigh area.
Residents were startled by the arrest, as authorities used flash bangs while executing the warrant on Thursday, prompting police to advise nearby residents to remain indoors.
Graney, a senior anthropology major at N.C. State, has been a student at the university since 2019. Following the incidents, North Carolina State University issued a WolfAlert to inform students of nearby danger, as some of the shooting scenes were close to campus.
As investigations unfolded, Raleigh Police initially reported two shootings along Trailwood Drive on Thursday as unconnected to earlier incidents. However, by later that day, they had linked these cases to other shootings that occurred throughout the week. Police Chief Estella Patterson assured Raleigh residents of increased patrols and reinforced collaboration with state and federal agencies to resolve the case.
Graney is scheduled for a court appearance at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Raleigh Police continue to urge the public to provide any additional information regarding the incidents. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Raleigh Crimestoppers at www.raleighcrimestoppers.org, with a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to further arrests.
Safety Tip: Store firearms safely in locked cases or safes to prevent unauthorized access and reduce risks. Always practice responsible firearm handling, especially around others.
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