A multi-agency manhunt is underway for a suspect who ran from police during a traffic stop in Hoke County Tuesday, according to the State Bureau of Investigation. Officials are investigating the suspect's involvement in a potential explosive device.
What You Need To Know
- A traffic stop turned into a car chase in Hoke County Tuesday afternoon
- The suspect jumped out of the car and ran into a wooded area, officials said
- Agents said they found what's suspected to be an IED planted by the suspect along the path they were chasing them on
- The SBI Bomb Squad was able to make the device safe, but agents are still searching for the suspect
A North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agent stopped the suspect, identified as Jonathan Daniel Oxendine, for speed around 1 p.m. near Cope Road in Red Springs, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety said.
During the stop, Oxendine drove off, leading law enforcement on a car and foot chase that took them into the woods near Balfour Road in Red Springs, officials said.
While officials were chasing Oxendine down a path, one North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division agent said they found what appeared to be an improvised explosive device with a trip wire.
Agents held off the chase and called for help from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Bomb Squad, who made the device safe.
“The possible IED will be sent to the crime lab for confirmation as a viable IED,” officials said.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will lead search efforts for Oxendine with the SBI’s help. Oxendine faces multiple charges, including felony flee to elude, reckless driving and possession of drug paraphernalia.
