Casey Blake cblake@citizen-times.com and Hayley Benton hbenton@citizen-times.com

The search continued Sunday for a man who has eluded police since Saturday afternoon, initiating a massive manhunt through Pisgah National Forest and shutting down one of the area's most popular outdoor destinations.

The suspect, identified as Phillip Michael Stroupe II, 38, was still at large Sunday following reports of contact with campers. Law enforcement emphasized that they believe the man to be armed and dangerous.

The suspect was encountered by a witness in the Yellow Gap Road area, according to an update from the Transylvania County Sherriff's office Sunday afternoon.

"Early reports were that the witness was kipnapped; however, these reports turned out to be misconstrued," the release said. "The suspect did display the handgun to the witness, but never pointed it in his direction."

The suspect wanted a ride, but the witnessed advised that he would make a call for him if he would leave him alone, according to the release. After approximately 30 minutes, the suspect left the witness and walked back into the woods.

Law enforcement has maintained a wide perimeter around the area along U.S. 276, and the search has been concentrated in the area where the suspect was last spotted. It is unknown if the suspect still has access to a mountain bike he reportedly stole Saturday, "therefore the net is being widely cast."

Pisgah National Forest was evacuated Saturday along U.S. 276, in a popular area that includes Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock and the Cradle of Forestry. Authorities ask that visitors continue to avoid the area.

Stroupe is 5-feet 8-inches tall with a small build, authorities have said. He has a shaved head and a large distinct tattoo on his neck, just under his chin.

He is considered armed and dangerous, according to the release, and has a history of violence and resisting law enforcement. He has outstanding warrants in Buncombe County for kidnapping, and has pending charges in Yancey County.

According to Transylvania County Sheriff David Mahoney, Stroupe fled into the wood on a stolen mountain bike Saturday following a brief police chase in a vehicle. Prior to the chase, Transylvania County law enforcement were on the lookout for a man suspected in a breaking-and-entering incident reported in Henderson County.

Drivers along the stretch of highway reported on social media that traffic was backed up for miles exiting the forest, and that law enforcement officers were stopping vehicles at checkpoints along U.S. 276, causing long waits.

"We ask everybody for patience and understanding and ask them to avoid the area," Mahoney said.

Other agencies assisting in the manhunt include the Brevard Police Department, the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, the NC State Highway Patrol (including helicopter support), the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office (including a Special Response Team), the NC State Bureau of Investigation, and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.

If anyone has any information, please contact the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 884-3168.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated when further information is made available.