Hikers said the man, called Sovereign, attacked them with a shovel at a shelter in North Carolina.

Author: WCYB | Published: 1:17 PM EDT April 22, 2019 | Updated: 2:16 PM EDT April 22, 2019

UPDATE: Authorities with the Madison County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina told WLOS in Asheville that they have made contact with the man they were searching for, and they don't believe there is a threat.

Investigators said the the object initially believed to be a machete is, in fact, a guitar, and that the man has made no criminal threats and isn’t charged with a crime.

Original story

A hiker on the Appalachian Trail who threatened hikers Sunday in North Carolina could be headed to Tennessee, according to Unicoi County authorities.

Sheriff Mike Hensley told WCYB that the man is considered armed and dangerous.

We have received calls from hikers that a hiker that calls himself “ Sovereign “ has threaten them on the trail head at... Posted by Michael K. Hensley on Sunday, April 21, 2019

Sheriff Hensley posted on his Facebook page that the man, who calls himself "Sovereign“ had brandished a knife and machete at hikers.

The man also threatened hikers with a shovel at the JeriCabin shelter and checkpoint in Madison County, North Carolina, according to the eyewitnesses who contacted police.

The sheriff said the man has a pit bull terrier with him.

Hensley told WCYB that his office was notified by North Carolina officials and that investigators are on the trail searching for the individual.