Runaway Juvenile Captured After Search Near Troutman Schools

A 17-year-old runaway juvenile is in custody after a large search in southern Iredell County prompted security alerts at two nearby schools.

The incident began when deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff's Office responded to a runaway juvenile call in the area of Autumn Leaf Road and the Calvin Creek subdivision. Authorities said the teenager was wearing a white T-shirt and camouflage pants and was believed to be armed with a knife.

As the search expanded toward the Quail Haven Drive area, officials placed Troutman Elementary School and Troutman Middle School on a security alert as a precaution while officers searched nearby wooded areas.

Investigators said the situation escalated when a deputy located the juvenile as he was allegedly trying to take a family member’s vehicle. During that encounter, officials say the 17-year-old brandished a knife at the deputy before running into a heavily wooded area.

After an extended search, deputies located the suspect and took him into custody without further incident. Authorities said the teen now faces multiple charges and will be charged as an adult.

No injuries were reported during the incident.