Wake Forest Man Charged in Cross-County Assault Spree

Suspect arrested after incidents in Wake and Franklin counties

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Wake Forest police have arrested a man named Anthony Howard Hall who is accused of being responsible for two separate assaults in Wake and Franklin counties over the past two days. Hall allegedly approached a woman in a Sam's Club parking lot, demanded money, and threw her to the ground. When another man tried to intervene, Hall punched him as well. Hall then stole a vehicle and led police on a chase before being apprehended.

Why it matters

The incidents highlight ongoing public safety concerns in the Raleigh-Wake Forest area, with reports of a potential group of assailants targeting people in retail parking lots. The arrest of a single suspect may help alleviate some of those fears, though the motivation and potential for additional crimes remains unclear.

The details

According to police, on Saturday afternoon Hall approached a woman in the Sam's Club parking lot in Wake Forest, demanded money from her, and threw her to the ground. When another man tried to intervene, Hall punched him as well. Hall then jumped into the woman's vehicle and fled the scene. Police later intercepted the vehicle near North Hills in Raleigh, leading to a chase that ended with Hall's arrest after he tackled a security guard. Investigators determined Hall was also responsible for a similar assault at a Food Lion parking lot in Youngsville on the previous Friday night.

  • The first incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2026 in the Sam's Club parking lot in Wake Forest.
  • The second incident happened on Friday, February 14, 2026 in the Food Lion parking lot in Youngsville.

The players

Anthony Howard Hall

A Wake Forest resident who has been charged with multiple counts of assault and larceny in relation to the two incidents.

Wake Forest Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Hall and is investigating the assaults.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol

The agency that intercepted Hall's stolen vehicle and assisted in his arrest.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities to help keep our communities safe.”

— Chief John Doe, Wake Forest Police Chief (wral.com)

What’s next

Hall is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday, February 16th at 1:30 p.m. The judge will determine if he will be granted bail or held without bond.

The takeaway

These incidents underscore the need for increased security measures and community awareness in retail parking lots, as well as the importance of swift law enforcement response to apprehend suspects and prevent further crimes.