DURHAM, NC — A 15-year-old is facing serious charges after Durham police say he stole property, struggled with officers and then fired a gun at two officers during an arrest attempt Monday afternoon. Police said the confrontation happened just before 4:30 p.m. on Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard.

Investigators said officers were responding to a reported larceny when they encountered the teen. The situation escalated when officers tried to take him into custody, leading to a physical fight and, according to police, two gunshots fired by the teenager. Officers then disarmed him and placed him under arrest.

No one was injured, police said, despite the close range of the encounter and the fact that the incident happened in a public area.

Police say a reported larceny led to a violent struggle

Durham police said the initial call involved a theft complaint, but the response quickly turned into a much more dangerous scene. Officers confronted the teenager after arriving to investigate the reported larceny, then attempted to detain him.

According to police, the teen resisted arrest and a fight broke out. During that struggle, officers said he pulled a handgun and fired twice. The details indicate the shots were discharged during the clash with officers rather than after a prolonged pursuit.

Police have not publicly described what was taken in the original theft allegation or said whether anyone else was directly involved in the reported larceny.

Officers disarmed the teenager and no injuries were reported

After the shots were fired, police said officers were able to take the gun away from the teen and secure him in custody. The department said the response prevented further harm to both officers and nearby bystanders.

No one was reported hurt in the incident, which is significant given that shots were fired at close range during an arrest attempt. The confrontation unfolded on a busy roadway corridor in Durham, adding to the potential risk for people in the area.

Durham police did not immediately release additional details about the weapon or specify exactly how the officers managed to disarm the teen, but they said the arrest was completed safely.

Mayor Leo Williams and Chief Stephanie Mardis were at the scene

Durham Mayor Leo Williams and newly sworn-in Police Chief Stephanie Mardis both came to the scene. Their presence underscored how serious the encounter was for the department and city leadership.

Williams later said the incident was a reminder of the broader problem of gun violence and pointed to the need for more opportunities for young people. In his statement, he said efforts should focus on jobs, wages, housing and community support that does not turn those issues into political fights.

His comments framed the shooting as part of a larger public safety challenge, even as investigators continued to focus on the facts of the case involving the 15-year-old and the officers.

Chief Mardis praises officers for a rapid response

Mardis issued a statement Tuesday saying she was grateful no one was seriously injured. She also credited the officers for acting quickly to disarm the suspect and stop the situation from getting worse.

The chief said investigators are gathering witness statements and reviewing video evidence as they work to build a complete account of what happened. That kind of evidence review can help determine the sequence of events, especially in an encounter involving gunfire and an arrest attempt.

Mardis did not announce any additional findings but asked anyone with information to contact Investigator Sokal or CrimeStoppers. The department has not said whether more charges may follow.

The case adds to Durham's concerns about youth and gun violence

The arrest comes amid ongoing concern in Durham about violence involving young people and firearms. While this case did not leave anyone injured, police and city leaders treated it as a serious warning sign because shots were fired at officers during a routine response.

Williams’ statement tied the incident to larger social challenges, including employment, housing and neighborhood support for young residents. Mardis, meanwhile, focused on the police response and the importance of collecting evidence before drawing conclusions.

For residents, the incident is a reminder that an ordinary call for a reported theft can turn dangerous in seconds. Durham police said the investigation remains active as they continue to piece together the events on Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard.