N.C. forest closed during manhunt

MILLS RIVER, N.C. — Authorities on Sunday told visitors to stay away from a national forest in North Carolina while they searched for an armed suspect, saying he escaped by stealing a mountain bike at gunpoint.

An area of the Pisgah National Forest between Asheville and the South Carolina border was closed Sunday while officers were seeking Phillip Michael Stroupe II, 38, of Weaverville, N.C. The Transylvania County sheriff’s office said he was a suspect in a break-in.

Roads and trails were closed as investigators conducted their search.

Sheriff’s deputies said they were chasing Stroupe’s vehicle Saturday through an area popular with hikers and campers when he stole the mountain bike and pedaled into the woods.