MATTHEWS, N.C. -- The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police helicopter was in the air over Matthews Monday morning as officers searched on the ground for a man accused of brutally attacking two women with a blunt object inside a Matthews' Applebees.

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VIDEO: Police Lockdown School While Searching For Robbery, Assault Suspect

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police helicopter was in the air over Matthews Monday morning as officers searched on the ground for a man accused of brutally attacking two women with a blunt object inside a Matthews' Applebees.

The search area was all around Crestdale Middle School on Sam Newell Road.

Because the man was on the loose right near Crestdale, police put the school on lockdown.

"In case the suspect were to turn and go toward the school, that's so the doors are locked and we know the students are safe inside the school," said Gastonia police Sgt. David Harrington.

Police surrounded the school -- checking all those coming and going.

After a two-hour search, police caught the suspect in a rock quarry right across the street. It put an end to a tense morning for those at the school.

Parent Kim Webster said she first learned of the lockdown by watching Eyewitness News.

She said she is happy to see the lockdown policy works and police were able to keep the violent suspect away from the middle school.

"I wasn't too worried because I am confident in the police, and the procedures that they follow on a regular basis," said Webster.

Suspect Kenneth Burden worked at the Applebee's. He was still wearing the company issued shirt when he was arrested.

Matthews police officers questioned him for hours and then took him to jail.

One of the victims is still in the hospital with severe injuries to her face.