Search continues for armed suspect in Hoke County; residents advised to lock doors and stay inside

RED SPRINGS, N.C. (WTVD) -- A multiagency search was underway Monday evening for an armed man who eluded authorities after a traffic stop that started in Robeson County.

It all began about 1 p.m. after agents with the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ALE) tried to stop the suspect on Cope Road in Red Springs. The driver, later identified as Jonathan Daniel Oxendine, 32, refused to stop and led agents on a high-speed chase. He eventually stopped his car on Singleton Drive and got out with a handgun. He ran into the woods off Balfour Road, and agents chased him into the woods and down a path but stopped when they discovered what looked to be an improvised explosive device (IED) with a trip wire across the path near where Oxendine lives.

ALE then called in the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Bomb Squad.

The SBI Bomb Squad, the Cumberland County Bomb Squad, the Hoke County Sheriff's Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) all responded to the scene. The SBI neutralized the possible IED, which will be sent to the crime lab for analysis.

SBI agents and other agencies processed the scene for evidence. The ATF will take the lead for prosecution in this case.

Agents who searched Oxendine's car found cocaine, drug paraphernalia and another firearm, ALE said.

Oxendine is facing charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony possession of cocaine, driving while license revoked, expired registration, felony flee to elude, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting public officer, and reckless driving.

An active search for Oxendine continued late Tuesday evening.

The Hoke County Sheriff's Office said Oxendine is about 5-feet-7 with tattoos on his neck. He was last seen wearing a dark shirt and dark shorts.

The sheriff's office advised residents to keep their doors locked, stay inside, and remain aware. Residents are asked to call 911 immediately if they see someone matching the description and do not approach the suspect.