Customers at a busy Apex car wash found themselves in the middle of a federal-level scare Wednesday when Tidal Wave Auto Spa on Lake Pine Drive was evacuated after a "violent individual" allegedly left public threats aimed at President Trump on the rear windshield of an SUV, according to police. One person was detained at the scene while bomb-squad technicians rolled in a robot to inspect the vehicle, and officers temporarily shut down the car wash and asked people to steer clear of the area.
As reported by ABC11, Apex police said officers were called to the Lake Pine Drive business Wednesday afternoon, where they found the threatening messages written across the back glass of the SUV. ABC11 noted that the person at the center of the incident was arrested and that charges are pending. The station also reported that Secret Service personnel were called out as investigators processed the vehicle and continued their on-site work.
Police Response And Federal Agencies
From above, WRAL’s Sky 5 helicopter captured images of an SUV with writing covering its rear window as officers secured the scene. WRAL reported that state bomb-squad personnel were on scene and that federal investigators, including the FBI, were aware of what was unfolding at the car wash. The department posted an update to Facebook about the evacuation, and local crews said the scene stayed active well into the afternoon while technicians carefully examined the vehicle.
Where It Happened
The business involved is the Tidal Wave Auto Spa on Lake Pine Drive, a location the chain’s website lists at 1950 Lake Pine Drive in Apex. Tidal Wave Auto Spa's location page confirms the site serves local Apex customers who likely expected a quick wash, not a bomb robot and federal interest. Apex police have not yet released the identity of the person who was detained.
Legal Context
Under federal law, threats against the president are no small matter. They fall under 18 U.S.C. § 871, which makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully issue threats against the President and carries potential criminal penalties. 18 U.S.C. § 871 lays out the statute, and Department of Justice guidance notes that threats against protected officials are typically investigated by the Secret Service and may be referred to federal prosecutors to consider charges. The DOJ's criminal resource manual details how these kinds of cases are generally handled.
Media outlets covering the Apex scene reported that officers urged residents to avoid the area while evidence was collected and the vehicle was checked. WRAL and ABC11 both relayed updates as the police response unfolded. Apex police have said they will release additional information as the investigation moves forward.
