Knightdale Boulevard was closed for hours Saturday as deputies searched for evidence near Old Milburnie Road.
KNIGHTDALE, N.C. — A man suffered life-threatening injuries Saturday morning after he was shot while driving on Knightdale Boulevard, prompting a shutdown of the busy corridor as Wake County sheriff’s deputies documented the scene and rerouted traffic, authorities said.
Deputies said the investigation began shortly before 9 a.m. along U.S. 64 Business, also known as Knightdale Boulevard, after motorists reported a vehicle stopped following gunfire. The case drew a large response and led to extended lane closures between Old Milburnie Road and Farm Well Road while crime scene units worked the roadway and nearby shoulders. The sheriff’s office said detectives later identified a suspect but released no additional information about that person as of Sunday. The shooting comes days after a separate highway attack on U.S. 64 westbound near Lizard Lick Road, underscoring concerns about violence spilling onto major routes as the holiday travel period begins.
Deputies and emergency crews found the wounded driver with at least one gunshot wound and took him to a hospital in critical condition. The sheriff’s office did not release his name or age, citing the active investigation and family notification. Traffic alerts warned drivers to avoid the area for several hours as investigators mapped the asphalt and collected shell casings. “We understand the disruption this caused on a busy weekend morning, but processing this scene carefully is essential,” Wake County Sheriff’s Office spokespersons said in public updates. By late afternoon, law enforcement said they had identified a suspect connected to the incident, though details about an arrest, a vehicle description, or possible charges remained unavailable.
Authorities have not said what led to Saturday’s shooting. Investigators did not confirm whether it was a case of road rage, a targeted attack, or another dispute. The closure stretched from Old Milburnie Road to Farm Well Road, a commercial and commuter artery that carries drivers between Raleigh and Knightdale. In a separate case Thursday, a driver on U.S. 64 West near Lizard Lick Road was found with a gunshot wound and rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries after an extended shutdown. Officials have not publicly linked the cases and have not announced a broader pattern, noting that both investigations remain open. The sheriff’s office encouraged witnesses who were on Knightdale Boulevard around mid-morning to contact detectives.
Records and prior reports show that highway shootings in the Triangle often trigger large-scale responses because of lane control, debris fields, and the need to reconstruct moving scenes. In recent years, agencies have expanded use of license plate readers and highway cameras to connect timelines, vehicle paths, and witness accounts. Saturday’s scene drew attention because of the long closure, which included on-ramps and turn lanes near Old Milburnie Road. Crews placed evidence markers near the stopped vehicle and documented skid paths before tow trucks cleared the road. Businesses along the corridor reported delayed openings and reduced morning foot traffic as barricades remained in place.
Detectives will now review roadway camera footage, interview drivers who called 911, and compare ballistic evidence with state databases. If an arrest is made, initial charges could include assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, pending the victim’s condition, or more serious counts if the case becomes a homicide investigation. Officials did not release a court date or timeline for additional updates. The sheriff’s office said it would provide new information after confirming key facts, including the suspect’s status, potential motive, and any vehicle seized as evidence.
By late Saturday, investigators said a suspect had been identified but did not announce an arrest. On Sunday, traffic on Knightdale Boulevard moved normally as debris removal wrapped up and temporary cones were taken down. The next expected milestone is an update from the sheriff’s office after detectives complete interviews and collect video from nearby businesses early this week.
Author note: Last updated November 23, 2025.