A man was taken into custody Friday after ramming his SUV through the gates of WXII 12 News in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and forcing his way into the station’s lobby. The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. at the TV station’s Coliseum Drive headquarters.
According to WXII, the suspect drove through the station’s front gates, crashed into a parked news vehicle, and then broke through the glass entrance doors, causing extensive damage inside. News staff immediately took cover, barricading themselves and calling 911.
Winston-Salem police responded within minutes and detained the suspect without incident. Officials said the man appeared to be experiencing a “clear mental health crisis” and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Police confirmed the suspect was unarmed.
Investigators do not believe the attack was targeted at the station or its employees. Authorities will consult the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office to determine potential charges once the investigation is complete.
WXII expressed gratitude to responding officers and relief that no staff members were physically injured. “Inside the newsroom, there is a shared sense of relief and resilience,” the station said in a statement Friday night.
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