Wake First Grader Leaves School, Found By Motorist

A Wake County first grader caused a stir Tuesday afternoon when he left school without telling anyone and was picked up by a motorist.

The student, at Yates Mill Elementary School, who was found unharmed, had been sent to the office for "disciplinary concerns," according to a letter sent home to parents by Principal Lynn Williams and Assistant Principal Kim Grant.

While in the office, the student asked to use the restroom. He then ran out of the school building toward Yates Mill Pond Road, near Tryon Road. A motorist saw the boy and gave him a ride to a federal office building. Once there, the student was turned over to Raleigh police.

A parent who spotted the student getting into a car reported the incident to the school, which notified Wake County sheriff's deputies, Raleigh police and the Wake schools security staff.

"We are very thankful that our student was found quickly," the letter said. "We greatly appreciate the quick response of law enforcement and school system staff in responding to this incident."