News

Report: Dangerous suspect spotted, flees again

Stroupe

By Bill Moss, Published: July 23, 2017

A man hunt in Pisgah National Forest involving multiple law enforcement agencies continued Sunday, shutting down much of the forest.

Roads and trails on the Pisgah Ranger District east of Highway 276 and south of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed because of the intense hunt for a suspected house burglar who, armed with a handgun, stole a mountain bike and pedaled into the woods to elude pursuing deputies.

Visitors to the Pisgah National Forest should avoid the area which includes trails and roads in the Mills River area, Yellow Gap Road, Turkey Pen Gap, Trace Ridge, and Wash Creek, the Transylvania Sheriff's office said.

U.S. 276 is also closed from the Pisgah Ranger District office to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Attractions along this stretch of road are closed today including Sliding Rock, Cradle of Forestry, Looking Glass Falls, and Pisgah ranger station visitor center and the regularly scheduled Songcatchers Music Series was called off.

Numerous law enforcement agencies led by Transylvania County Sheriff's Office are engaged in a search for a suspect who is known to be armed and dangerous.

Transylvania County sheriff’s deputies received a BOLO (be on the lookout) alert from Henderson County on Saturday in reference to a suspect vehicle in a breaking and entering in Mills River near the Transylvania and Henderson County line.

Transylvania Sheriff’s deputies spotted a vehicle matching the description in Pisgah National Forest, just off U.S. Highway 276 North. When a patrol deputy attempted to initiate a vehicle stop on Avery’s Creek Road, the suspect refused to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued.The suspect continued on Avery’s Creek Road, and at one point quickly exited his vehicle, and stole a mountain bike, while pointing a firearm at the owner.

The suspect placed the stolen bike in his vehicle, and the vehicle pursuit continued. Deputies were unable to make contact at that instance due to the crowded nature of hikers and campers on the roadway. The suspect then blocked the roadway, parking his vehicle sideways, hopped on the stolen mountain bike, and fled into the woods.

A perimeter was established in the area, and the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) was called out to attempt to locate the suspect. Other agencies assisting in the manhunt include the Brevard Police Department, the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, the NC State Highway Patrol (including helicopter support), the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office (including a Special Response Team), the NC State Bureau of Investigation, and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. At the time of this press release, the suspect has not been located.

The suspect has been identified as Phillip Michael Stroupe II, 38, with a last known address of Weaverville. He is described as a white male, approximately 5-feet 8-inches tall, with a small build; he has a shaved head and a large distinct tattoo on his neck just under his chin. He is considered armed and dangerous. The suspect has a history of violence and resisting law enforcement. He has outstanding warrants in Buncombe County for kidnapping, and he also has pending charges in Yancey County.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the search included the Brevard Police Department, the U.S. Forest Service, State Highway Patrol and helicopter support, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and Special Response Team, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. If anyone has any information, please contact the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 884-3168.