Alleged Road Rage Murderer Faces Federal Charges (DOJ)

RALEIGH, N.C. - Solomon Owens, a convicted felon, now faces federal charges for possession of a gun by a felon after shooting at members of the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) on February 19, 2026. Federal prosecutors charged him by criminal complaint for possessing a Radical Firearms, model 300BLK rifle.

According to the criminal complaint, on February 19, 2026, Garner Police Department (GPD) swore out murder warrants for Owens related to the road rage killing of Joseph Adams on February 9, 2026. Law enforcement received information that Owens allegedly shot Joseph Adams because Owens felt that Adams did not let him "change lanes." As stated in the complaint, Owens told a witness, "He wouldn't let me over, so I handled it." Members of the RPD Selective Enforcement Unit went to Owens's apartment in North Raleigh. Once they entered his apartment, Owens fired multiple rounds. Owens' bullets struck one officer in the helmet and another officer's ballistic shield. By the grace of God, they did not suffer injury. After opening fire, Owens exited his apartment, hiding behind a woman who held an infant in her arms. RPD shot a non-lethal sponge round striking Owens in the leg. After he dropped, they took Owens into custody. The State currently detains Owens with no bond at the Wake County Detention Center.

If convicted, Owens faces up to life in prison.

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The RPD, GPD, and ATF investigated the case, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin Becker is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..