Raleigh, N.C. – The Wake County District Attorney’s Office has launched a formal review of a police encounter that took place early Friday morning at Alchemy bar in the Glenwood South district. District Attorney Lorrin Freeman told WRAL she has asked the Wake County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a separate investigation into the actions of plain‑clothes officers who were conducting an operation targeting illegal drinking.
What happened
Surveillance video obtained by WRAL shows two men, both at least 21 years old, being approached by officers from Wake County Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. The officers asked the men for identification. According to Alcoholic Beverage Control Law Enforcement Chief Scott Broadwell, the men refused to produce ID, prompting the officers to handcuff them and take them to the ground.
Broadwell, who was not inside the bar but was monitoring the operation from a command center in the parking lot, said the officers’ response was “absolutely justified.” After reviewing the video with WRAL, he said the footage matched an officer’s account, though the camera did not capture audio.
Bar owners’ perspective
Alchemy General Manager Derrick Andrews told WRAL he did not recognize the individuals as law‑enforcement officers until after the confrontation, when he saw identification pulled from beneath their civilian shirts. Owner Dan Lovenheim added that, based on the video and what he heard afterward, the individual who was taken to the ground appeared “scared and confused, not combative whatsoever.”
DA’s investigative approach
Freeman emphasized that her office will consider all witness statements, including those of bar staff, patrons, and the officers involved. “We’re not going to prejudge this,” she said. “We’ll need to talk to public witnesses, the owners that were there, and also hear from law enforcement.” She noted that determining whether the force used was lawful will be a key focus, as officers are permitted to use limited force to bring someone into compliance or custody.
The DA explained that criminal determinations in cases like this are typically made within 60 to 90 days, after investigators have completed interviews and gathered any additional video or evidence.
Legal context
North Carolina law allows officers to use reasonable force when necessary to enforce the law, but each incident must be examined to ensure the force was proportionate and lawful. The upcoming internal review by the Sheriff’s Office will assess whether agency policies were followed, while Freeman’s criminal review will decide if any statutes were violated.
Potential civil action
North Carolina civil‑rights attorney Abraham Rubert‑Schewel is representing the two patrons. No lawsuit has been filed as of Thursday, but Freeman indicated that any civil claim would be handled separately from the criminal and internal investigations.
Community impact
The incident has sparked discussion among local business owners and residents about the balance between enforcing underage drinking laws and preserving a safe, welcoming environment for lawful patrons. While the DA’s office proceeds with its review, many in the Glenwood South community hope the outcome will clarify proper police conduct without unduly hindering legitimate law‑enforcement efforts.
Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office have pledged transparency as the investigations move forward, underscoring Wake County’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while respecting the rights of its citizens.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
