A hiker on the Appalachian Trail who was considered "armed and dangerous" after he was accused of threatening hikers in North Carolina was arrested Monday night in eastern Tennessee, WJHL reported.
Update 11:34 a.m. EDT April 23: The suspect, who went by the name "Sovereign," was arrested in Unicoi County, Tennessee, Sheriff Mike Hensley said.
The man was identified as James Jordan, 30, of Massachusetts, WJHL reported. Jordan was charged with aggravated assault, criminal impersonation, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a schedule VI drug, the television station reported.
Hensley said Jordan was found with a knife estimated to be more than 20 inches long, WCYB reported.
#UPDATE: Police reveal identity of Appalachian Trail hiker charged in Unicoi County.https://t.co/RChu0nNBpt pic.twitter.com/pjXRy74n8J
— News 5 WCYB (@news5wcyb) April 23, 2019
Original report: A hiker on the Appalachian Trail is considered "armed and dangerous" after he was accused of threatening hikers Sunday in North Carolina, WCYB reported.
Unicoi County Sheriff Mike Hensley said the hiker, who was heading west into Tennessee, was seen carrying a machete and knife and was considered armed and dangerous, the television station reported. Hensley said the man calls himself "Sovereign" and is traveling with a pit bull, WJHL reported.
Hensley said the man has threatened other hikers on the trail at Devils Fork and in Madison County, North Carolina, the television station reported.
According to WCYB, eyewitnesses told police the hiker threatened them with a shovel at the JeriCabin shelter and checkpoint in Madison County.
Hensley said his investigators are on the trail and are searching for the man, the television station reported.
Anyone with information on the hiker can call 911 or dial (423) 743-1850.
Cox Media Group
