Lockdown lifted at Knightdale schools after escaped suspect recaptured

KNIGHTDALE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Three schools in Knightdale were placed on a Code Yellow lockdown briefly while police recaptured a suspect who had briefly escaped from custody.

Lockdowns at Forestville Elementary School, Lockhart Elementary School and Knightdale High School have all been lifted.

The suspect was found hiding in a vehicle on school grounds at Lockhart Elementary, Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps said.

The suspect, Russell Frederick Culbreth, 45, of Middlesex, was taken back into custody without incident.

Capps said Culbreth was being processed inside the police station on breaking and entering charges when he fled from officers.

The schools put out a statement saying that about 12:20 p.m., they were notified that there was police activity in the area, which prompted the schools to go into a Code Yellow lockdown for less than an hour.

In a Code Yellow, students and staff are allowed to move inside the building, but no one is allowed to enter or exit.

In addition to the felony breaking and entering charge, Culbreth also faces charges of felony larceny, possession of methamphetamine, and resist/delay/obstruct a public officer.