Murder Suspect Eludes Search by Nash, Franklin Deputies

Castalia, N.C. — Investigators in Nash and Franklin counties searched through Wednesday night and into Thursday for a Georgia murder suspect who led Nash County authorities on a high-speed chase before abandoning his car and running into woods near the county line.

Deputies had been unable to track down Patrick Lynch by daylight Thursday.

A Nash County Sheriff's Office spokesman said authorities from Georgia had arrived to help as deputies looked for leads that could take them to Lynch.

Nash County Sheriff Dick Jenkins said an officer was following Lynch Wednesday in a stolen vehicle when Lynch pulled over and fled on foot into a wooded area. He was last seen at the intersection of Gardner Road and Rommie Daniel Road near Castalia/Franklin County Road. That is about a mile into Franklin County. (View Map

Lynch is wanted in a fatal stabbing in Dekalb County, Ga. He is also wanted for felony possession of a stolen vehicle, felony flight while eluding arrest and driving with a revoked license.

Authorities said Lynch is a black man, stands 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. Investigators said he is considered extremely dangerous.

Thursday morning, Franklin County deputies said they were watching for Lynch during their regular patrols. Nash County officials reported no success in tracking Lynch.

Law-enforcement officers from across the area gathered Wednesday evening at a staging area at Cedar Rock Baptist Church, near the site where Lynch was last seen. Fliers with his picture and physical description were distributed, and authorities planned to give them to residents across the area.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to his arrest.

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Latest Comments

manleydeborah, what an idiot you are. Da, maybe they got the picture from his mom or girlfriend. What difference does it make how he's dressed in the picture. Looks like a punk no matter what he's wearing. He will look good in orange and stainless. Would you prefer a stick drawing of him in a suit. At any rate, I hope he was cold last night. Maybe, with any luck, he froze to death and we can stop wasting OUR money on his punkness

builder276
January 18, 2007 1:50 p.m.

I live only two miles from the incident. I was coming home from work yesterday when I was surrounded by state troopers and deputy sheriffs. I thought I was in trouble! But with the number of cars I saw around yesterday and today looking for this man, I feel pretty safe. I am grateful to the Nash and Franklin County authorities for their careful patrolling. And you're right, Bengalsfan; I don't know many people in the neighborhood who aren't equipped for the situation!

bsarah14
January 18, 2007 1:29 p.m.

How can you take a MOST WANTED picture of a suspect without a SHIRT on?? "he's not wearing a shirt", where did they get the picture??...(the story stated he had stripped to his shorts & t-shirt.)... again where did they get the picture of him without a shirt??...

manleydeborah
January 18, 2007 1:27 p.m.

I am sure he is probably long gone if he striped down to his under clothing... it is cold .... I doubt he is hiding out in the woods... he probably took his cell phone and asked someone to pick him up... maybe they should check on that? lol

katheryntaylor
January 18, 2007 11:44 a.m.

A $5,000 reward!

I wish I knew where he was hiding.

EagleGirl
January 18, 2007 8:27 a.m.