News Summary
A man has been arrested in connection with over 15 car break-ins during an NBA Youngboy concert in Raleigh, North Carolina. The incidents occurred amidst a dense crowd, with many vehicles belonging to concertgoers. The suspect faces multiple charges, including possession of a stolen firearm. Authorities warned about the potential for future thefts and encouraged attendees to secure their valuables. Additional reports from victims are expected as police continue their investigation.
Raleigh, North Carolina — Man Arrested in Connection with Over 15 Car Break-Ins During NBA Youngboy Concert
During a busy night outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, law enforcement officials are investigating a series of car break-ins that occurred on Friday evening amid a large concert event. The incident involved more than 15 vehicles being broken into, with some cars suffering from broken windows, according to police reports.
Details of the Break-Ins and Concert Environment
The break-ins took place primarily in parking lots surrounding the Lenovo Center, with additional incidents reported off-site. Many of these vehicles belonged to concert attendees who arrived early to avoid traffic congestion caused by the NBA Youngboy concert and the North Carolina State Fair, which was held concurrently. The venue enforced a no-bag policy, prompting fans to arrive ahead of the event, increasing foot and vehicle traffic in the area.
Authorities noted that the dense crowd, estimated to be between 40,000 and 50,000 people due to the state fair, presented opportunities for theft. The high volume of visitors in a confined 10-block radius is believed to have contributed to the surge in car break-ins.
Law Enforcement Response and Investigation
On the night of the incidents, Raleigh Police deployed a significant presence in the affected zones, including three all-terrain vehicles, four electric motorcycles, and three officers on e-bikes patrolling the parking areas. Despite this, the incidents occurred amid the heavy influx of concertgoers and fair visitors.
Following a police investigation, Dontarius Marquise Barrett, 33, was identified as a suspect and subsequently arrested. Barrett faces multiple charges, including possession with intent to sell marijuana, possession of a stolen firearm, breaking and entering into a motor vehicle with theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Barrett is currently detained with a bond set at $35,000. Authorities indicated he has a prior felony conviction and is accused of possessing a stolen AR-15 pistol reportedly taken during one of the break-ins. He is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday.
Additional Concerns and Future Precautions
Police warn that they expect that more reports of similar incidents may be filed, as many victims left the scene without immediately reporting the thefts. Law enforcement officials expressed readiness for potential repeat activities, especially with an upcoming concert scheduled for Saturday night. However, they announced that they are not increasing patrols beyond their current deployment.
Authorities advise concert and event attendees to take precautions: leave valuables at home or secure them well-hidden in vehicles, and always lock car doors to reduce the risk of theft during large gatherings.
Public Response and Recommendations
The vehicle break-ins have caused frustration and concern among many concertgoers, who suggest that more protective measures, such as increased surveillance and better lighting, could help deter future crimes. Police emphasize that reducing valuables in cars and ensuring vehicles are locked are simple yet effective tactics to mitigate the risk of theft during crowded events.
Summary of Key Facts
- The incident took place in Raleigh, North Carolina, outside the Lenovo Center during an NBA Youngboy concert.
- Over 15 cars were broken into, with some vehicles sustaining broken windows.
- The concert attracted 40,000 to 50,000 people amidst the North Carolina State Fair.
- Law enforcement responded with significant patrols, including specialized vehicles and officers.
- Dontarius Marquise Barrett, 33, was arrested on multiple charges, including possession of a stolen firearm.
- Police are investigating additional reports, noting that many victims did not report thefts immediately.
- Barrett has a prior felony conviction and is accused of possessing a stolen AR-15 pistol.
- Authorities plan to monitor the situation during upcoming events but are not increasing patrol levels.
- Officials recommend leaving valuables at home and locking vehicles to prevent theft.
Contact Information and Next Steps
Barrett is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Law enforcement urges anyone with additional information or reports related to the break-ins to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL: Cars Broken Into at Lenovo Center, Raleigh
- CBS17: 1 Person Arrested in Connection with Series of Car Break-Ins at Lenovo Center
- ABC11: Man Accused of Breaking into at Least 15 Cars During Lenovo Center Concert
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Car Theft
- WRAL: Raleigh Police Investigate Break-Ins at Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
