FRANKLIN COUNTY, N.C. — An intense manhunt is under way in Franklin County for Keith Patterson -- a man wanted in three states for various charges including assault with a deadly weapon.

Franklin County investigators believe Patterson may be hiding out in a along U.S. 1. and consider him armed and dangerous.

Sheriff Jerry Jones is leading the massive effort.

"It's a rural area, lot of thick wood land, lot of abandoned buildings, farmland," he said. "Until someone can give us some concrete information that he has moved on, we'll continue to have heavy patrols in this part of the county."

People living nearby are concerned, and believe rain, cold weather and hunger could have Patterson desperate for food and shelter.

"He might really show up somewhere, but hopefully it's not in our neighborhood," resident Ann Gillam said.

On Sunday, Wake and Franklin county deputies were at Patterson's home at 7832 Thompson Mill Road in Youngsville, to serve arrest warrants when Patterson fled the residence.

Patterson is wanted in Tennessee, Missouri and North Carolina for breaking and entering and armed assault. The Wake County Sheriff's Office has outstanding warrants on Patterson for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to inflict serious bodily injury and for breaking and entering.

A car chase ensued along Highway 96 after Patterson fled his residence. Near Long Mill Road in Franklin County, Patterson jumped and ran. Wake and Franklin authorities then began a foot pursuit.

Both counties used their K-9 units to conduct a ground search. The North Carolina Highway Patrol helicopter searched from the air.

Patterson was last seen Sunday afternoon when deputies believe he approached a Franklin County man for a ride.

Anyone who has seen Patterson or knows his whereabouts should contact the Sheriff's Office at (919) 496-3332.