Raleigh, North Carolina – A shooting incident outside the Star Bar nightclub early Sunday morning has raised concerns about safety in the area, especially as it involved the van of rap artist OMB Peezy. According to the Raleigh Police Department, the shooting occurred around 3:30 a.m. and resulted in gunfire damaging four vehicles, including the rapper’s van, which reportedly sped off after being targeted. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Police have launched an aggravated assault investigation into the incident, but they have not confirmed whether OMB Peezy was the intended target. Witnesses described hearing 20 to 30 rounds of gunfire, leading to chaos in the packed parking lot as patrons scrambled for safety. Forensic teams were seen collecting evidence from the scene, and officers noted that the artist’s van crashed into a tree while attempting to evade the gunfire.
The Star Bar has been under scrutiny due to a series of recent shootings, with local residents expressing growing concerns. An anonymous neighbor recounted the panic that ensued during the shooting, emphasizing the need for increased security measures in the area. “This lot was just packed full of cars and people,” the neighbor stated. “They scattered like rats when the shooting happened.”
In a separate incident, gunfire erupted at another nightclub, Level, less than 30 minutes after the Star Bar shooting. An off-duty officer made the emergency call regarding the shots fired at Level, but similar to the Star Bar incident, no injuries were reported, and no arrests were made.
As the investigations continue, the Raleigh Police Department is urging anyone with information about either shooting to come forward. The incidents highlight ongoing concerns about violence in nightlife areas, particularly in clubs that attract large crowds during late hours. Local authorities are faced with the challenge of balancing public safety with the vibrant nightlife culture that Raleigh offers.
OMB Peezy’s recent appearance at the Star Bar has sparked discussions about the safety of artists in such environments. While he reportedly performed before the shooting occurred, speculation about his involvement in the conflict remains unverified. Observers suggest that, regardless of his direct connection to the violence, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nightlife and the potential dangers artists may face.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the implications of these violent episodes, calling for more stringent security measures to ensure the safety of patrons and performers alike.