Apex suspect runs across Lufkin Road Middle School campus, arrested after chase

A traffic stop attempt around noon on U.S. 1 escalated into a foot pursuit that carried the fleeing driver across the grounds of Lufkin Road Middle School, and officers arrested the suspect near Ten Ten Road after deploying K‑9 units and aerial drones. The incident prompted a brief code yellow lockdown at the school while staff secured classrooms, officials said.

Apex officers first attempted to pull over the vehicle on U.S. 1 between East Williams Street and Ten Ten Road at about midday. Reports indicate the vehicle became disabled after a short distance and a passenger exited near East Williams Street at U.S. Highway 1; police later determined that passenger was not involved and did not pose a threat to the community. The driver ran on foot and crossed the middle school property before officers established a perimeter.

Lufkin Road Middle School principal Elizabeth Hanna told local media the campus went into a code yellow at about 12:25 p.m., with classrooms secured and instruction continuing inside while staff kept students in place. The school resource officer was on campus and initiated the school's safety protocols as officers searched the area, and officials said the suspect did not directly confront students or staff. The school resumed normal operations once law enforcement cleared the scene.

Apex Police said the department deployed K‑9 teams and aerial resources to assist containment and locating the suspect. In a department news release, police wrote: "Today’s incident highlights the outstanding work of Apex Police officers and the value of specialized resources that enhance public safety. Tools like our K9 units and drone technology allow us to locate suspects more quickly, establish containment safely, and reduce risk to the community." A photo released by Apex Police identified K9 Jordi as assisting officers in taking the man into custody.

Officers took the suspect into custody near Ten Ten Road after the perimeter and K‑9 containment; no injuries to students or employees were reported in initial accounts. At the time of the department release, Apex Police had not published the arrested person’s name or the specific charges they face.

Some reports described the arrested individual as wanted on multiple felony charges, while the department release did not list charges; local outlets differed on whether the incident occurred Thursday or Friday. The department’s official documentation and stamp on the news release will be needed to reconcile the date discrepancy and to confirm the suspect’s identity and any outstanding warrants.

Apex Police said the investigation remains active. City and school officials urged that any additional details, including formal charges and timing, will be released through the department’s official communications once verified.