Police Search National Forest for Fugitive.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching part of the Pisgah National Forest for a Weaverville man that they claim is a fugitive from justice.
Phillip Michael Stroupe, 39, became a person of interest in a stolen vehicle and vehicle break-ins in Henderson County. Stroupe then allegedly drove a stolen vehicle in or toward Pisgah National Forest, and then allegedly took a mountain bike at gun point, which he put into the car and drove off.
Stroupe was later seen in the Yellow Gap Road area with a firearm.
At this point, law enforcement officials say that they need more people to assist in the search for Stroupe. Given the vast amount of terrain involved, law enforcement needs as many people as possible.
Due to the manhunt, the park, which is located West of Hendersonville, was largely shut down to outside individuals.
Stroupe allegedly has a history of violence and resisting law enforcement. He is described as a white male, 5’ 8”, small build, shaved head and a large neck tattoo on his throat, which is visible above a shirt line.
Law enforcement warns that Stroupe is considered armed and dangerous, and individuals should not attempt to approach or apprehend him.
At this point, given Stroupe’s alleged actions, he could be charged with armed robbery (robbing the individual of the bike), felony larceny of a motor vehicle, ad break and enter a motor vehicle.
Our firm handles a variety of criminal cases, from low-level misdemeanors and traffic citations and infractions to first-degree murder.
At Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, our Greensboro Criminal Attorneys are prepared to take on a variety of cases. Contact our Greensboro criminal lawyers today if you or someone you know is in need of help with their criminal case.