Greensboro police said they received reports of a person who was armed with a weapon inside the store Wednesday afternoon.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — One person has been arrested and identified following a heavy police presence outside the Lowe’s Home Improvement on East Cone Boulevard in Greensboro.
Greensboro police said they received reports of a person who was armed with a weapon inside the store Wednesday afternoon.
Jim Wallace said the suspect ran by him in between the aisles.
“I thought somebody was in a hurry,” Wallace said “I thought nothing of it until I got to the end of the aisle and saw two police officers were chasing him. One had a gun drawn already,”
Lowe’s staff got Wallace and other customers out unharmed.
Officials have confirmed they have a suspect in police custody. Police have identified the suspect as Rayvon Juriel Barrett, 23.
Investigators said Barrett is facing charges for possession of firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, going armed to the terror of the people, resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer, and carrying a concealed weapon.
Police have not confirmed what type of weapon Barrett may have, other than that it was a handgun.
Investigators said a person called after seeing an armed man near Lowe’s on Utah Place. Barrett is accused of running into the store.
“Violent crime nationwide is on the rise and I’ll commend the citizen for making that phone call,” Interim Police Chief Teresa Biffle said.
Detectives said Barrett surrendered.
Officials do not have any information regarding injuries as of 5 p.m. Wednesday.
WFMY News 2 crews were out on the scene Wednesday afternoon.
PHOTOS: Heavy police presence outside Lowe’s Home Improvement in Greensboro
Greensboro police are asking people to avoid the area.
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