On November 21, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted a Durham man following an alleged involvement in a shootout at Crabtree Valley Mall in October.

U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. emphasized the importance of safety during the holiday season: “The holiday season is a time for peace on earth – not shootouts in the parking deck,” he stated. He added that their Violent Crime Team is collaborating closely with local law enforcement to ensure community safety.

According to court documents, Jamarion Burton, aged 22, allegedly possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon during an altercation at Crabtree Valley Mall on October 26, 2024. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) responded swiftly to the scene and apprehended one suspect. Through witness accounts and surveillance footage review, RPD identified Burton as involved in a verbal altercation inside the mall that escalated into gunfire exchange in the parking deck. Burton's group reportedly fled when law enforcement arrived but was later arrested in Durham by RPD with assistance from the Durham Police Department. At his arrest, Burton allegedly had one of the firearms used in the incident.

Burton faces charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, carrying a potential maximum sentence of fifteen years if convicted.

This prosecution is part of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP), which involves collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies to tackle significant violent crime drivers through strategic enforcement and intelligence-led policing.

The case also aligns with Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through cooperation between law enforcement levels and communities. On May 26, 2021, PSN's strategy was enhanced to focus on fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations that prevent violence.

Michael F. Easley Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced these developments. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with RPD are investigating this case while Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaren E. Kelly leads its prosecution.