Manhunt ends with arrest in Alexander County, sheriff’s office says

ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — A two-day manhunt has ended in Alexander County for a man who was armed and dangerous, according to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Chris Bowman says Richard Pennell was arrested after a dog tracked him in the woods near a church where he ran from a vehicle, Channel 9′s Dave Faherty learned Sunday.

On Friday, deputies said Pennell ran from them in the Ellendale community after a short chase that ended in his father’s driveway. When he took off, deputies said he had something in his hand. It’s not clear if it was a weapon.

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, along with troopers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol conducted a search for Pennell near Mountain Ridge Church Road and All Healing Springs Road west of Taylorsville.

A large law enforcement presence responded to the area as officers used bloodhounds and a Highway Patrol helicopter to try and find the suspect.

As a precaution, students and others were kept indoors at a nearby elementary school.

“It’s not only dangerous for the individual, but it’s also dangerous for the officers,” Sheriff Chris Bowman said.

Richard Pennell was wanted by authorities on warrants for breaking and entering and failure to appear in court.

Wade Pennell, the father of Richard Pennell, told Channel 9 that he doesn’t think his son will be caught.

“He’s just wild. He’s got his own life to live,” Wade Pennell said. “He ain’t really done no bad nothing. Driving charges and he has been in prison before.”

The father also said his son is not a danger to the community.

“He (isn’t) dangerous,” Wade Pennell said. “Not that I know of anyway. He ain’t never hurt nobody.”

Richard Pennell has a criminal history, which includes possession of a firearm by a felon.

(WATCH BELOW: Shots fired following chase with stolen car in York County, deputies say)

Shots fired following chase with stolen car in York County, deputies say

©2022 Cox Media Group