Multi-County Manhunt Ends in Arrest After Carjacking and Shots Fired Incident

Avery  County  -- A multi-county incident that began with a carjacking in Burnsville on Monday, July 7, concluded with the arrest of a Texas man in Avery County following an extensive manhunt.

 Linc Nolan Bloomfield, 61, of Texas, is now in custody and expected to face multiple charges.

The dramatic chain of events unfolded around midday on Monday when authorities were alerted to a carjacking at the Ingles grocery store in Burnsville, located in Yancey County. According to Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard, the suspect, identified as Bloomfield, initiated a pursuit that spanned across county lines.

The manhunt led law enforcement through Mitchell County and eventually into Avery County. Media reports indicate that Bloomfield allegedly fired shots at vehicles as he traversed Mitchell County, escalating the danger of the situation.

Upon entering Avery County, the Avery County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) joined the pursuit, focusing their efforts on the Powdermill Creek area. Avery County Sheriff Mike Henley confirmed the intensive search. Due to the armed and dangerous nature of the suspect, residents in the Powdermill Creek vicinity were immediately notified via the Emergency Notification System to exercise extreme caution.

As the search intensified, ACSO utilized social media to disseminate information to the public. At approximately 5:15 p.m., an image of Bloomfield was released, described as having white facial hair, being bald, and wearing glasses. The public was warned not to approach him and to call 911 immediately if he was spotted.

The pursuit culminated swiftly. Just 15 minutes later, around 5:30 p.m., ACSO announced via social media and the county's Accu-Reach notification system that the pursuit had concluded and Bloomfield was safely taken into custody by Avery County Sheriff's Office deputies.

This incident involved a coordinated effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Yancey County Sheriff's Department, Mitchell County law enforcement, and the Avery County Sheriff's Office, highlighting their effectiveness in apprehending a dangerous suspect. Further details regarding the specific charges Bloomfield will face are anticipated as the investigation continues.

Linc Nolan Bloomfield Avery County Sheriff's Office

Editor's Note: A  criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

WNCTimes

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