ELLENBORO, N.C. (WSPA) — A convict who didn’t show up for his court date is in custody after an hours-long manhunt on Wednesday morning.
Rutherford County Sheriff Chris Francis said deputies and U.S. marshals have been searching for
51-year-old James Boatwright since last week.
Sheriff Francis said Boatwright did not appear for sentencing as a habitual felon and possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine.
A marshal spotted Boatwright in a vehicle on Wednesday morning. Sheriff Francis said Boatwright fled, leading law enforcement on a chase and then ran on foot.
He was located around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in a wooded area on Glover Road off Hollis Road.
Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office K-9 officers helped in the search.
Boatwright is no stranger to the law.
According to online records from the N.C. Department of Public Safety, he was convicted in March 1996 to second-degree murder.
