ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at Noon - March 27, 2026

Episode Date: March 27, 2026

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Breaking news at noon, bank robbery aftermath. A robbery in Raleigh ending in a multi-vehicle crash near I-40, an army of law enforcement and first responders rushing to the scene. Two people taken to the hospital. We have live team coverage. Right now, live coverage from your local news leader. Today's top stories you need to know and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live.

This is ABC 11 eyewitness news. Thank you for joining us here this Friday at noon. I'm Amber Repenta. And I'm Barbara Gibbs, and we begin with that breaking news. Many of you saw it unfolding about two hours ago live on IWDDCase at 10. A massive police investigation covering two major scenes. We know it started with a bank robbery at the Wells Fargo on Western Boulevard in Raleigh. The suspect handing a note to the teller when making off with the cash. And minutes later, the suspect was spotted by the highway patrol on I-40. The suspect then crashed into another car after exiting. Jones Sausage Road. Two people, the suspect and the driver that other car now being treated at the hospital. We have live team coverage from both scenes just 13 miles apart. Cindy Bay. It's live at the scene

of the crash. Penelope Lopez is live at the bank. The scene of the crime. Let's go to Cindy first. Cindy, what's going on? Well, Barbara and Amber, everything unfolded in minutes. I'm going to show you how this all played out, starting with the Black Audi that you see there. That's where say that the suspect traveled in. So the suspect in the Wells Fargo Bank robbery was driving this black Audi sedan that you see here. Then I'm going to cross over just the damage after the troopers say the driver went up the ramp, crossed the grass median, and then slammed into a silver car. Now that impact set off a chain reaction causing a second crash. One car stopped suddenly and another couldn't slow down in time. So a total of two people, including the suspect, were rushed to wake med with serious injuries. First responders had to pull the suspect from the black car. The armed robbery happened at 9.19 a.m. this morning. That's when authorities say that it was reported. And then Highway Patrol says a trooper spotted the suspect within 10 minutes.

You know, this was a situation where timing just worked out in everyone's favor. This robbery took place at 919 a.m. at 929 a.m. our trooper picked up this violator on I-40 near South Saunders Street. That trooper attempted to catch up to the violator and get them stopped. This person was driving in a very reckless manner. And so right now the scene is still active. Investigators are currently right now. working to get a search warrant for the suspect's vehicle. So that's going to remain there. They say that the vehicle has a GPS tracker, and so the investigation is still active.

We're going to continue to bring you more details in the next half hour in Raleigh, Cindy Bay. ABC 11, I Witness News. Wow, a very active scene there behind Cindy Bay. A lot of folks saw this on the road today too. Absolutely. All right. Thank you, Cindy. Let's go now to the other scene of this situation.

Penelope Lopez is at the bank. where this all started. Penelope, what's happening there? Good afternoon. It is no longer an active scene here. That was very different when we arrived here at 1030, 1045. This morning when we arrived, we saw multiple police vehicles, more than five police officers, and tape was wrapped around this entire perimeter. I went over to the construction crew that was next door. They told me that when they arrived at around 7.7.30 in the morning, they did not see the tape. Then I went over and I, uh, to another company and they said that when they arrived here at work at 930, they saw the tape. So we were connecting the dots. Now officials are telling us that just 20

minutes after this bank open, that's when the robbery happened. He walked in. He gave the teller a note and then he left off to where Cindy was at right there. I'm told from other people, who work here that this is a quiet neighborhood. I want to show you what the scene looks like right now because it's a complete difference than what it was at around 10 in the morning. As you can see, the Wells Fargo is closed, but the ATM is open

and we were able to speak with someone who cashed a check two minutes after police officers left the scene. I was cashing a check for work. We're depositing a check, and there's no one here. I didn't think anything of it. And then you guys rolled up and told me there was stuff going down just a few minutes ago. So I just kept depositing the check and honestly kind of wanted to get out of here just in case something was going to happen again.

Yeah, he was in complete shock. He did not know that a bank robbery happened. And after he left, multiple people also were cashing a check. So it seems like there's a lot of people who were not aware that this happened. As you can see, it's not an active scene. It looks like a normal day at this moment. We do know that the suspect was hurt and we're still trying to get. more information. For now, live in Raleigh, I'm Penelope Lopez, ABC 11, eyewitness news.

I don't blame him. I think I'd be a little bit rattled too. Yeah. All right. Glad to know no one was hurt there. Penelope, thank you. All right, let's turn now to the weather and the record-breaking heat this Friday. These are some pups out enjoying the park at Millbrook Exchange with their humans. Some of those pups probably looking for the shade and some water. All right. All right, the heat's not going to stick around for long. We could see some actually freezing temperatures this weekend. Meteorologist Steve Stewart's in the first. I'm I know. Tracking the weather.

Just keep me on my toes. That's the, that's the plan here. Yeah, we up and down temperatures are going to continue for a little bit longer. Again, typical this time of year. Looks good that we have a lot of high clouds out there right now. Shook it up in the mid-80s. If we get to 87, that was higher record at RDU. Dry during the day.

We'll have showers as we go into the evening hours, maybe some isolated thunder, but mainly just rain. And the low temperature tonight down to around 43 degrees. It's Sunday morning that we could see some frost or even a freeze. Yesterday was 81, so we're going to be up around. 87 today 20 degrees above our normal high and that will be tying the record set back in 2007 and that deficit continues to grow. There you see the showers to the north. There's a front that's going to be settling southward and that'll move through later on. Again, not a lot of rain when you add it all up, but we'll get showers around as we get into the evening hours likely for most after sunset a little bit early in our northern counties and those showers will continue as we get into the early morning hours. Then eventually that's going to clear and we're back to sunshine and a lot colder tomorrow. Again, not a lot of a lot here probably less than a quarter inch at any one location right now though we're looking pretty good out there at North Hills cars at there at six forks with a breeze at 12 miles an hour

78 that's seven degrees warmer than this time yesterday due points up a little bit at around 60 widespread temperatures in those upper 70s southern pines now alone 80 degrees and roxborough close behind at 79 now notice the evening planner that's when we have that risk of a shower maybe some isolated thunder if you have plans this evening you you're thinking it's warm and you're going to be out late, have a jacket. Numbers are going to fall fast as we go through the evening and a lot cooler for the upcoming weekend. More on that coming up in the 70 forecast. Rollercoaster ride continues, Steve, thank you. We turn now to the showdown in Washington

over funding the TSA with no deal in sight on Capitol Hill. President Trump says he will sign an emergency order to pay TSA agents. They've been going unpaid for weeks now, as you know, with many calling out leading to those long airport security lines at some airports, especially larger ones. In the dead of the night, the Senate passed a bill to end this by part, this partial government shutdown as long lines stretch at airports across the country. The bill ultimately passing without the reforms. Democrats spent weeks demanding, including requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras and banning face masks, although body cameras have already been funded from the big beautiful bill. Hours before the vote, the president ordered DHS secretary

Mark Wayne Mullen, who was sworn in just days ago to immediately pay TSA agents to address address this emergency situation. Sean Coffey with local reaction to the deal and how to get TSA agents back to work with pay. That vote is the most progress we've seen in this standoff over DHS funding in more than a month now. And it now heads to the House where it could pass as soon as today.

It comes amid a growing strain at US airports as TSA agents and other critical personnel have been working without pay for nearly a month and a half leading to resignations and sick outs that have resulted in long lines at major US hubs. After President Trump said he would signed an executive order this week paying DHS employees. And with the congressional Easter break approaching, political experts say pressure was mounting

to get a deal done. They were getting ready to go back to their home districts and hear about it. So it was not only seeing the pictures of lines at major airports and hearing the discussions of TSA agents, it was the reality that they were going to hear it from constituents. This funding package does not include funding for ICE, though I still will continue to get money from cash in the one big beautiful bill. If and when this bill gets passed and signed by President Trump, those paychecks for airport workers would start to kick in. At RDEU, Sean Coffey, ABC 11, eyewitness news.

Sean, thank you. Well, now to the latest on the war with Iran, and the video appearing to show an American fighter jet in a close call with an Iranian missile aiming to shoot it down. Dramatic new video appears to show the moment an Iranian missile came dangerously close to striking an American F-18 fighter jet. U.S. Central Command posting on X Thursday, quote, no U.S. fighter aircraft had been shot down by Iran, but, One source tells ABC News and F-18 operating in the region did narrowly dodge an Iranian missile over southern Iran in recent days. And this comes as Operation Epic Fury stretches into its fourth week with new reports. The Pentagon is weighing ascending an additional 10,000 ground troops to the Middle East. This is we've learned more than 300 American troops have been injured in the conflict. In the meantime, the president extending a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in 10 days.

Iran, though, has not signaled any willing. publicly to accept the deal as it is. Well, happening now with memorial service is taking place in Raleigh for the former president of one of the state's oldest HBCUs. We have a live look here at that memorial service. This is at Wake Chapel Church on Tar Hill Club Road in Rale. It's for former St. Augustine University's president, Dr. Christine McPhail. She died March the 1st at the age of 80 after battling cancer. McPhail was appointed in 2020 to replace her late husband who died from COVID.

In communities across Canada, hourly Amazon employees earn an average of over $24.50 an hour. Employees also have the opportunity to grow their skills and their paycheck by enrolling in free skills training programs for in-demand fields like software development and information technology. Learn more at aboutamazon.ca. eyewitness news. We are local news weeknights four to six 30 and 11. Durham County Sheriff Clarence Burkhead back from the nation's capital where he was one of five witnesses asked to testify before hearing on the role of local officers and immigration enforcement. Elena Athens is live in Durham force. Elaine, you just spoke with the sheriff about his testimony. Yeah, Sheriff Clarence Burkhead said when we met just about a half an hour ago meeting one-on-one that he was honored. to testify before Congress.

He prepared for it, did mock sessions, and he thought the line of questioning would actually be a lot harder. Burk had returned to the triangle just yesterday. He testified on Wednesday at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on sanctuary city policies. Burke had declared during his opening statement

that Durham County is not a sanctuary county. The sheriff is a Democrat, and there were some tense moments with Republican Senator John Kennedy. Here is some of that exchange. and what Burkhead told me when we spoke one-on-one. Do you need some water? Because I think your pants are on fire.

Contrary to what Senator said, my pants, we're not on fire. If we have individuals who are living in North Carolina who are documented or undocumented and they break the law, particularly in Durham County, we're going to hold them accountable. Burkhead also said during our meeting that he does not agree with some of the immigration tactics being used right now in our country calling them illegal and disturbing. Live in Durham, Elena Athens, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Elena, thank you. New at noon, Governor Josh Stein highlighting his commitment to rural infrastructure and all

rural North Carolinians at today's rural summit in Raleigh, the governor focusing on Helene Recovery, Clean Water, Food Safety, and Internet for rural communities. The governor's appearance comes after his recent launch of a listening tour gathering feedback across the state. Well, the stunning departure of NC State's former head basketball coach. We continue to follow the fallout from Will Wade's shocking exit. We'll have the latest. Plus, we're following our local teams in the NCAA tournament.

More on that. Coming up. Right now at noon, we have some new pictures here capturing Will Wade's stunning exit from NC State. The head basketball coach heading back to LSU after just one season. And Raleigh, fans tracked a private flight, which took Wade back to Baton Rouge, where the Tigers posted this video welcoming him with. open arms. Weight is now the shortest tenured coach for the men's basketball team in

NC State program history. The departure comes just days after UNC also made the decision to part ways with head coach Hubert Davis leaving two of our triangle men's basketball teams looking for new leadership and the search is on for both of those positions. Meantime there is a lot of excitement of course on the campus of Duke University the men's and women's basketball team still dancing in March Madness. Yeah both set to play tonight in the Sweet 16. The Duke men will try to make it back to back. Elite eights with a win tonight. To keep the madness alive, Blue Devils need to get through a tough St. John's team. It's playing some of the best basketball of the season. The winner of tonight's game, a Capital One Arena in

in Washington will have their work cut out for them as well. They'll face the winner of three-seat Michigan State and number two Yukon. For now, the Dukies say they're dialing in for a tough test. So like our focus right now is under preparation. You know, the game is important, but I just do the game to get ready. That's the most important for us right now. And having two guys back is huge for us, hopefully. So, and making sure that we have our energies, making sure that we're locked in on our game. Game execution is going to be key for us. All right, Duke and St. John's matchup is tonight at 7.10 p.m. look for live reports from D.C. on eyewitnesses. Over in the women's bracket, both Duke and UNC are still alive, and their sweet 16 games are today.

at 5 o'clock, 4-seed Carolina taking on number one overall seed Yukon in Fort Worth, Texas. And then at 10 tonight, 3-seed Duke faces number two-seed, LSU. And you can watch both those games on our sister network ESPN. And of course, it all leads up to the women's championship game on Sunday, April the 5th. That's in Phoenix, Arizona. Tip off for that is 3.30 right here on ABC 11. You were watching a game last night, weren't you? It gets kind of exciting.

Purdue, Texas game. I know. And you just can't stop. that came down to the wire last minute for D-1. Yeah. With 0.7 left on the clock. Why they call it madness, right? That's a big shot.

Absolutely, yeah. Wish I could stay up tonight to watch the Duke game, so I'll have to watch it on YouTube in the morning, you know? All right, listen, if you're heading out, look at the tree pollen. It's in the very high category for today. No surprise there. Weeds and grass are really low, and that's, again, common this time of the year. But that tree pollen is up there.

That bothers you just keep that of mind. Right now, though, downtown looking good. We got some high clouds out there. Otherwise, they just expect temperatures to be up there close to records today. Showers come in tonight, a 30 degree drop in tomorrow's temperature from today. So it's going to be a lot colder tomorrow. Warmer week, though, we get back to the 70s. Most days I think will be in the lower to middle 80s. But there are signs now that we can see a bit of a pattern change later in the week that will introduce some rain chances coming away as a front gets closer. Some moisture out ahead of it could bring some rounds of rain. Maybe as early as Wednesday, but it's more likely Thursday and Friday. possibly heading into next week. And we needed to. I mean, look at our deficit.

Six of the last seven months have kind of look like this with big time noticeable deficits. We had one tiny little surplus last month. And that's about it. Now, so we're looking as we go late Wednesday into Thursday, we'll start ratcheting up those rain chances later in the week.

Now look what happens today as that front comes in. These temperatures up there close to record high temperatures. The cold air starts to push in later on this evening. And with that, we'll get some showers as well. But don't expect a lot of rain here. We're looking at generally less than a quarter inch of rain in any one location. Maybe we'll get a little bit more in our northern counties. As we get going, here's six, seven o'clock. So likely close to sunset or after sunset, we'll get some showers around. Here's where the front's going to be. So this is what we call antifrontal precipitation. We get not necessarily expected. Severe weather here, just showers in the wake of the front. And that could last until around two or three in the morning. Rain's going to taper off. And then a lot colder as we're going to the day tomorrow. 78 in the North Hills with a breeze at about 12 miles an hour.

Wide spread up or 70 is there's an 80 in southern pine, 79 Sanford and Clinton and also 79 up in Roxburgh. Heading out to see David Spade tonight. Listen, take a jacket. You won't think you need it when you head there because it'll be around 70, but a lot chillier when you head back to your car. And there could be a shower or thunderstorm as well. Just keep that in mind. That walk to and from Deepak might be a little bit on the damp side. 65 is we're going to our Sunday near normal height.

temperatures and then another bump up nearly 10 degrees warmer again as we go into Monday and we'll keep stair stepping those temperatures up. So later today we'll get some showers coming in from north to south, but it likely will be closer to sunset. Daytime should be dry and quite warm, maybe some record highs. We're in the 40s tonight evening showers tapering off around 2, 3 o'clock in the morning. Upper 30s up in Roxwell for low temperature. First of late 7th, then tomorrow, maybe some morning clouds and they won't last long. We'll get lots of sunshine, but much cooler. and that breeze out of the north,

you're gonna want a jacket tomorrow. The crop walk on Sunday should be fine after some morning frost, but a mild afternoon and then day by day, the temperatures keep warming up. April 1st, I have to say maybe there's a spotty shower. The euro's a little bit bullish on that. Most of the guidance in agreement though.

Now we could get showers around for Thursday and Friday, and we need it. It's been way too dry. All right, thank you, Steve. It has indeed. Coming up, Brugaloo Controversy. Brewers pull out as a new festival steps into offer an alternative for beer fans in the Triangle. And the CEO of one of the biggest burger chains in the country gives a major bonus to employees nationwide.

When West Jet first took flight in 1996, the vibes were a bit different. People thought denim on denim was peak fashion, inline skates were everywhere, and two out of three women rocked, the Rachel. While those things stayed in the 90s, one thing that hasn't is that fuzzy feeling you get when West Jet welcomes you on board. Here's to West Jetting since 96. in time with us and actually travel with us at westjet.com slash 30 years. An alternative to the popular Brugaloo Festival, Raleigh Brewing hosting the Y'all Means All Beer Festival on April 25th. It's the same day as Brugaloo, and it comes after some transphobic statements online from Jennifer Martin, who is behind the shop, shop local Raleigh, the group

which organizes Brugaloo. Despite an apology for Martin, more than a dozen breweries decided to pull out of North Carolina's largest beer festival, with some joining the new. new one. A time when rights are being stripped away from the LGBT community at sort of an alarming rate, we wanted to make sure that we had an event that was safe and welcoming for everyone in the community. The Y'all Means All Festival is expected to feature live music, food trucks, craft vendors, and 16 breweries.

Moles may be making a comeback. Recent data shows foot traffic at malls are up 4.5%. Gen Z, reportedly leading the way on that, looking for more information. person experiences. Market research from Sarkana says that the data shows 18 to 24-year-olds are doing more buying in person than people 25 and up. All right, the five guys CEO is giving workers $1.5 million in bonuses. Fortune reports that that's after they bore the weight of an overwhelmingly popular 40th anniversary deal. Jerry Murrell tells the outlet that he had no idea that the buy one get one offer would cause some locations to run out of food. The chain says,

as it tried to make it up to customers with so-called 40th after-party deals earlier this month. A Wake County intersection remains closed this noon after a multiple car crash following a bank robbery and a chase in Raleigh. And you see from Chopper Levin live over Jones Sausage Road and I-40. Coming up new at 1230, what we're learning about the robbery suspect now in custody.