Eyewitness News at Noon - March 27, 2026

0:00Breaking news at noon, bank robbery after math, 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. Thanks for you for joining us here this Friday at noon. I'm Amber Rupente and I brought Brighips and we begin with that breaking news. Many of you saw it unfolding about two hours ago live on eyewitnesses 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 a minutes later, the suspect was spotted by the highway patrol on I-40, the suspect then crashed into another car after exiting Jones, Salsa Road to people, the

1:01suspect 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 with the scene of the crash, Penelope Lopez is live at the bank, the scene of the crime was going 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 officials 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

2:01people, including the suspect, were rushed to wake med with serious injuries. First responders had to pull the suspect from the black car. The arms robbery happened at 919 AM 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 in everyone's favor. This robbery took place at 919 AM. At 929 AM, 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 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

3:03going 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 all 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 10, 30, 10, 45 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 to another company and they said that when they arrived here at work at 9 30, they saw

4:03the 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 cashed in a check for work. You'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's going to happen again. Yeah, he was in complete shock. He did

5:04not 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 has ABC 11. I witness news. I don't blame him. I think I'd be a little bit rattled too. Yeah. All right, glad to know no one is hurt there. Penelope, thank you. All right, let's turn now to the weather and the record breaking heat this Friday. These are some pubs out enjoying the parking millbrook exchange with their humans. Some of those pubs probably looking for the shade and some water. All right. All right. The heat's not going to stick around for long. We can see some actually freezing temperatures this weekend. Me and I'll just see stewards in the first floor. I know just to keep me the weather. Keep me on my toes. That's the plan here. Yeah, we up and down temperatures are going to continue for a little bit longer. Well, again, typical this time of year looks good that we have a lot of high clouds out there right now. Should get up in the mid 80s. If we get to 87, that will

6:06tie your record at R. D. U. 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 temperatures and I don't know what to do. We're going to get 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. We'll get showers around as we get into the evening hours likely for most after sunset a little bit early during the day. We'll continue as we get into the early morning hours and eventually that's going to clear and we're back to sunshine and a lot colder tomorrow. Again, not a lot here, probably less than a quarter inch at any one location. Right now that we're looking pretty good out there at North Hills cars out there at six forks with a breeze at 12 miles an hour 78 that seven degrees warmer than this time yesterday. Do points

7:08up a little bit and around 60 widespread temperatures in those upper 70s. Southern Pines now the lone 80 degrees and 70s. We're going to be going to be up to the evening and 79 now. Notice the evening planter. That's when we have that risk of a shower. Maybe some isolated thunder if you have plans this evening, you're thinking it's warm and you're going to be out late. Have the 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 74 cast rollercoaster. I continue to see. Thank you. We as 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 the larger ones. In the dead of the night, the Senate passed a bill to end this by 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

8:09and 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 Mullin, who was sworn in just days ago to immediately pay TSA agents to 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 U.S. airports as TSA agents and other critical personnel have been working without pay for nearly a month and a half, leading to resignations and sickouts that have resulted in long lines at major U.S. hubs. After President Trump said he would sign 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 that major airports hearing the discussions of TSA agents,

9:11it was the reality that they were gonna 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 R.D.U. 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 have 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 a sending an additional 10,000 ground troops to the Middle East. This is we've learned more than 300 American troops

10:12have 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 willingness publicly to accept the deal as it is. Well, happening now with memorial services 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 Tarheal Club Road in Raleigh. It's for former St. Augustine University's president, Dr. Christine McFail. She died March 1st at the age of 80 after battling cancer. McFail was appointed in 2020 to replace her late husband who died from COVID. The eighth eye witness news. We are local news weeknights four to 630 and 11. Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead back from the nation's Capitol where he was one of five witnesses asked to testify before hearing on the role of local officers and immigration enforcement.

11:13Elena Athens is live in Durham, force Elena. You just spoke with the sheriff about his testimony. Yeah, Sheriff Clarence Birkhead 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. Birkhead returned to the triangle just yesterday. He testified on Wednesday at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on sanctuary city policies. Birkhead 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 a Republican Senator John Kennedy. Here is some of that exchange and what Birkhead 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 were not on fire. If we have individuals who are living in North Carolina who are documented or undocumented and they break the law,

12:13particularly in Durham County, we're going to hold them accountable. Birkhead 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, I witness 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 halene 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. Score more with the college branded Venmo debit card

13:15and earn up to 5% cash back with Venmo stash. Got paid back with the Venmo debit card, you can instantly access your balance and spend on what you want, like game day snacks, gear, tickets, and more. The more you do, the more cash back you can earn. Plus, there's no monthly fear minimum balance. Sign up now at Venmo.com slash college card. The Venmo master card is issued by the bank court bank NA, select schools available, Venmo stash terms and exclusions apply at Venmo.me slash stash terms. Max $100 cash back per month. So good, so good, so good. Spring styles are at Nordstrom Rack stores now, and they're up to 60% off. Stock up and save on rag and bone made well. Vince all stains and more of your favorites. How did I let no rack as a deed is? Why do we rack for the hottest still? There's so many good brands. Join the Nordy Club to unlock exclusive discounts, shop new arrivals first and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite rack store for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack. Right now at noon, we have some new pictures here

14:17capturing low weights, 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 way 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. 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 this season. The winner of tonight's game at Capital One Arena in Washington will have their work cut out for them as well. They'll face the winner of three seed Michigan State

15:19and number two, Yukon, for now that Dukeies say they're dialing in for a tough test. I feel like our focus right now is on the preparation. The game is important, but what just do before the game to get you 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 an hour in game. Game execution is gonna be key for us. All right, Duke and St. John's matchup is tonight. The 7-10pm look for live reports from DC on eyewitnesses. Over in the women's bracket, both Duke and UNC are still alive and their sweet 16 games are today. At five o'clock, four seed Carolina, taking on number one overall seed Yukon in Fort Worth, Texas. And then at 10 to night, three 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. It's 330 right here on ABC 11.

16:20You're watching a game last night, weren't you? It gets kind of exciting. It gets pretty exciting. I know, you just can't stop. It came down to the wire last minute for Duke one. Yeah. With 0.7 left on the clock. That's why they call it madness, right? Yeah, it'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, yeah. 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 in mind. Right now, though, downtown looking good. We got some high clouds out there. Otherwise, and just expect temperatures to be up there close to records today. Showers come in tonight. A 30 degree drop in tomorrow's temperature are from today. So it's going to be a lot colder tomorrow. Warmer week, though, we get back to the 7 of these. 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'll introduce some rain chances coming away. As the front gets closer, some moisture out ahead of it

17:21could bring some rounds of rain, maybe as early as Wednesday. But it's more likely Thursday and Friday and possibly heading into next weekend. We need it, too. I mean, look at our deficit. Six of the last seven months have kind of looked 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 is 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 and a frontal 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.

18:23Rain's going to taper off. And then a lot of cold airs would go into the day tomorrow. 78 in the north hills with a breeze at about 12 miles an hour. Widespread up are 70. Is there's an 80 in southern pine, 79, Sanford in Clinton and also 79 up in Roxborough. Heading out to see David Spade tonight. Well, listen, take a jacket. You won't think you needed 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 thunderstorm as well. Just keep that in mind that walk to and from depack might be a little bit on the damp side. 65 is to go into our Sunday near normal high temperatures. And then another bump up, nearly 10 degrees warmer again is to go into Monday. And we'll keep stair step in those temperatures up. So later today, we'll get some showers coming in from north to south, but likely it'll be closer to sunset. Day time should be dry and quite warm. Maybe some record highs were in the 40s tonight. Evening showers tapering off around two, three o'clock in the morning, upper 30s up in Roxborough for a low temperature. Firstly, seven a.m. tomorrow. Maybe some morning clouds, they won't last long.

19:25We'll get lots of sunshine, but much cooler. And that breeze out of the north, you're going to 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 year old'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. Breweries pull out as a new festival step send offer and 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.

20:38This being locations only turns at Jackson Huat.com slash 149. And 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 one. At a time when rights are being stripped away from the LGBT community, it's sort of an alarming rate. We want to make sure that we had an event that was safe and welcoming for everyone in the community. The Y'all means all festivals expected to feature live music, food trucks, craft vendors and 16 breweries. Moles may be making a comeback. Recent data shows foot traffic. Moles are up four and a half percent. Gen Z reportedly leading the way on that, looking for more in-person experiences.

21:38Market research from Serkana 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 Morrell 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 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 11 live with her Jones Sausage Road in I-40, coming up new at 1230, what we're learning about the robbery suspect now in custody.