Wake Forest Police Department

10/23/2026

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is accepting monetary donations through Saturday, Nov. 21, as part of its 20th Annual Turkey Drive. Area residents can support this worthy cause by submitting online donations at http://bit.ly/WFPDTurkeyDrive.

Cash and checks written to the Wake Forest Police Department are also accepted. Anyone wishing to contribute cash or check to this year’s Turkey Drive should contact Sgt. J. McArthur at [email protected]. All monetary donations will be used to purchase additional turkeys.

On Saturday, Nov. 21, the Police Department will accept monetary donations and donations of frozen turkeys at the WFPD Substation, 225 S. Taylor St., from 9 a.m.-noon.

Police officers and staff will then distribute the turkeys while they last on Monday, Nov. 23, from 7-9:30 a.m., at the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry, 149 E. Holding Ave.

The WFPD organized its first Turkey Drive in 2007. Since then, the department has distributed nearly 12,000 turkeys to needy families in our area, including close to 800 last year.

10/22/2026

Join the Wake Forest Police Department for DEA National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Wegmans.

This free, anonymous event provides a safe, convenient way to dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications—helping prevent drug misuse, accidental poisonings, and environmental harm.

Drop-off will be located outside the main entrance (weather permitting), facing Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass.

All collected medications will be securely handled by law enforcement and safely destroyed.

Proper disposal plays a critical role in addressing the ongoing overdose crisis and protecting our community.

10/22/2026

Think before you drink and drive 🚗

The Wake Forest Police Department wants to remind drivers not to drive while under the influence.

“Driving under the influence is careless and reckless. It not only endangers the life of the driver, but it can also have deadly consequences for passengers and others on the road.” says Chief Jefferson.

Anyone convicted of DWI faces up to $13,500 in legal fees for a first offense, along with the suspension of their driver's license.

Make sure you plan ahead by calling all a friend, using a rideshare app, or designating a sober driver.

10/21/2026

To ensure children’s safety on Halloween night, consider this week’s tip regarding home safety:

🎃Keep your home safe for visiting trick-or-treaters by removing anything a child could trip over, such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.

🎃Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.

🎃Clean wet, slippery leaves off sidewalks and steps.

🎃Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects.

🎃Remember to leave a porch light on if you are welcoming trick-or-treaters. If you do not wish to take part in trick-or-treating, please leave your exterior light off.

10/21/2026

The Wake Forest Police Department will temporarily close northbound and southbound Capital Boulevard/US 1 just north of Stadium Drive at 10 a.m., so crews from Wake Forest Power can relocate a power line that spans the highway. All lanes are expected to reopen by 10:15 a.m. Motorists may wish to avoid the area and take an alternate route.

10/20/2026

Gas leak closes portion of South Brooks Street

***UPDATE - The gas leak has been repaired. The shelter in place has been lifted.

The information below was posted Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 8:50 p.m.:

***UPDATE - Wake Forest Fire Department officials say South Brooks Street is expected to remain closed until early Wednesday morning.

In addition, anyone in the vicinity of South Brooks Street smelling a strong natural gas odor is urged to call 9-1-1.

The information below was posted at 7:15 p.m.:

Gas leak closes portion of South Brooks Street

Emergency personnel are on the scene of a ruptured gas line along South Brooks Street between East Owen Avenue and East Wait Avenue. The ruptured line was caused by construction workers.

South Brooks is closed between East Owen and East Wait. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and choose an alternate route.

Officials are monitoring the affected area for safety considerations. The Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., and Norse Brewing, 203 S. Brooks St., have been evacuated, but no other evacuations have been ordered at this time. Residents in the area are urged to shelter in place until further notice.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

10/19/2026

WFPD to host Drug Take Back Event at Wegmans October 24

WAKE FOREST, NC - The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2026 National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Wegmans, 11051 Ligon Mill Road. Weather permitting, the drop-off area will be situated just outside the Wegmans main entrance facing Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass.

National Drug Take Back Day is a prescription medication take-back initiative that promotes proper medication disposal. By providing a safe, convenient, and responsible way for people to dispose of unwanted pills, tablets, and other medications, the event helps prevent accidental poisonings and drug abuse, while also protecting local rivers and streams. The service is free, anonymous and no questions will be asked.

Participants can help onsite personnel properly identify and sort the medications by disposing expired, unused, or unwanted medicine in their original containers with the drug labels intact. All the medications collected during the event will be secured by law enforcement and destroyed by incineration.

Please note: Collection site protocols and information about the disposal of e-cigarettes, va**ng devices, and medical waste is available on the Town website at www.wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events/drug-take-back-event. In addition, the following items will not be accepted: creams, lotions, liquids, vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and needles.

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.

The WFPD is committed to making our communities safer and healthier, and we can do this by reducing overdoses and overdose deaths. For more information about the October 24 Drug Take Back Event, contact Sgt. Jeff McArthur at 919-554-6150 or [email protected].

10/15/2026

***UPDATE - All lanes along Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass have reopened. Three people were transported to a local hospital with undisclosed injuries.

The information below was posted at 9:10 a.m.:

Westbound Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass between South Franklin Street and Heritage Lake Road is reduced to one lane due to a three-vehicle crash. The crash is causing significant delays. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and take an alternate route.

No serious injuries have been reported.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

10/15/2026

Before you head out to trick-or-treat or a spooky celebration, the WFPD wants you to make sure your costume is fun and safe! Consider these tips when choosing a Halloween costume and accessories:

🎃Choose a costume that is bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tape or glowsticks to costumes and bags.

🎃Avoid masks because they tend to limit or block eyesight. Consider non-toxic face paint or a decorative hat as a safer option.

🎃Ensure your shoes fit well and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.

🎃If trick-or-treating after dark, supply children and their escorts with flashlights and fresh batteries.

🎃Remind older children to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost. If you have a cellular phone, have your children bring it with them so you are able to communicate with each other, if necessary.

Need a bag for all those Halloween treats? Stop by either of our two WFPD police stations to pick up a WFPD drawstring bag—perfect for carrying your candy while trick-or-treating! 🎃

We want everyone to have a fun and safe Halloween night. Stay safe, be visible, and enjoy the treats!