Authorities on Tuesday are searching for a man they said led them on a chase past a possible improvised explosive.
According to the State Bureau of Investigation, the the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division called the SBI’s bomb squad around 2:30 p.m. about a possible improvised explosive device [IED].
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SBI agents said the event happened as a result of a traffic stop that turned into a chase. According to ALE, the chases started after the driver refused to stop while driving erratically at a high rate of speed.
Authorities said during the chase, the suspect, later identified as Jonathan Daniel Oxendine, 32, ran from the car on Singleton Drive and into the woods in Red Springs while carrying a handgun.
As ALE agents chased Oxendine into the woods and down a path, they discovered what appeared to be an IED with a trip wire across the path.
SBI bomb squad members, along with the Cumberland County bomb squad, The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF responded to the scene. SBI defused the device and said it would be sent to a crime lab to determine its authenticity.
ALE later searched Oxendine's car and discovered an additional weapon, cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
ALE said Oxendine was charged with several crimes:
- Possession of a firearm by a felon.
- Felony possession of a cocaine
- Driving while license revoked.
- Expired registration
- Felony flee to elude
- Possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Resisting public officer.
- Reckless driving.
Authorities said they were searching the area of Balfour and Cope Road for Oxendine, who they said is in his early 30s, 5’7” tall with tattoos on his neck and was last seen wearing a dark-colored shirt and dark shorts.
Authorities are asking residents to keep their doors locked, stay inside and remain aware. The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office asked residents not to approach Oxendine if they see him and call 911 immediately.