Authorities say the suspect bailed out after crashing his vehicle, and now they’re asking the public to help find him.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NC — A wanted man remains on the run after authorities say he led deputies on a vehicle pursuit, crashed his vehicle and escaped on foot, triggering a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, members of the Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force (IGRANT) attempted to stop a vehicle driven by James Eugene Cole III at about noon Tuesday.
Investigators said Cole had outstanding failure-to-appear warrants stemming from previous Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office investigations.
Rather than stopping, Cole allegedly fled, leading deputies on a brief pursuit through the Fairview community.
Authorities said the chase ended after Cole crashed his vehicle near the 900 block of Old Fort Road. He then fled the area on foot before deputies could take him into custody.
The U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Broad River Fire Department and numerous Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office personnel assisted in the search.
Investigators said Cole is expected to face additional charges related to Tuesday’s incident.
The sheriff’s office thanked members of the Fairview community who assisted during the search and is asking anyone with information about Cole’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
The charges and allegations are pending, and Cole is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Deputies say a wanted man fled from a traffic stop and led officers on a pursuit in Fairview.
- Authorities say the suspect crashed his vehicle near Old Fort Road before escaping on foot.
- Multiple agencies assisted in the search, and investigators are asking the public for information.
