Wake County

U.S. 64 in Wendell reopens after driver found shot in the head

Investigators have identified a person of interest in the shooting of a man on U.S. 64 that shut the highway down for several hours Thursday morning.

The Sheriff’s Office closed the highway between Lizard Lick and Rolesville roads after finding the man, who had been shot in the head, according to ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The highway reopened around 11:30 a.m.

A person of interest has been identified, the Sheriff’s Office said in a Thursday afternoon release. It did not say if the person was a possible suspect in the shooting.

The investigation is ongoing, but investigators believe the shooting is an isolated incident. The victim’s name, current condition and details on what led to the shooting have not been released.

“We are committed to a thorough investigation, and I would like to thank the community for their patience as we work diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting,” Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 919-856-6911.

This is a developing news story. Please check back for updates.

This story was originally published November 20, 2025 at 10:16 AM.

Kristen Johnson
The News & Observer
Kristen Johnson is a local government reporter covering Durham for The News & Observer. She previously covered Cary and western Wake County. Prior to coming home to the Triangle, she reported for The Fayetteville Observer and spent time covering politics and culture in Washington, D.C. She is an alumna of UNC at Charlotte and American University. 
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