Wanted fugitive crashes during chase then vanishes as massive manhunt unfolds

Authorities say the suspect bailed out after crashing his vehicle, and now they’re asking the public to help find him.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NC — A wanted man remains on the run after authorities say he led deputies on a vehicle pursuit, crashed his vehicle and escaped on foot, triggering a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

According to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, members of the Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force (IGRANT) attempted to stop a vehicle driven by James Eugene Cole III at about noon Tuesday.

Investigators said Cole had outstanding failure-to-appear warrants stemming from previous Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office investigations.