News

Law officers close more of forest as manhunt continues

By Bill Moss, Published: July 25, 2017

Law officers have now closed the entire area east of U.S. 276 and south of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Pisgah Ranger District including all campgrounds and campsites in the area as a massive manhunt continues for an armed fugitive.

North Mills River Campground, Wash Creek Group Horse Camp, and all roadside camping in the area will remain closed until further notice to protect public safety during ongoing law enforcement operations. Roads and trails in this area have been closed since Sunday. This area includes Mills River, Yellow Gap Road, Turkey Pen Gap, Trace Ridge, and Wash Creek.

Highway 276 is closed from the Pisgah Ranger District office to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Pisgah Ranger Station Visitor Center and Sycamore Flats picnic area are now open but other attractions along Highway 276 remain closed including Sliding Rock, Cradle of Forestry, and Looking Glass Falls. Davidson River Road (#475) is closed at Gloucester Gap.

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. A photo of the suspect and more information is posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc/.

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 officers with multiple local, state and naitonal agencies have been hunting for Stroupe since he fled from deputies who stopped his vehicle on Saturday afternoon.

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.