A multi-agency manhunt stretched into Tuesday in southwestern Onslow County after authorities said a man identified as Jarred Louis Mackey fired a shot at a deputy and bolted into the woods west of Jacksonville. The deputy was hurt during the run-in but was not hit by the bullet, and officials are warning that Mackey should be considered armed and dangerous.
Manhunt details
Investigators say it all started around 8:15 p.m. Monday, when a deputy checked out a report of a suspicious person near 1945 Pony Farm Road. According to officials, the man later identified as Mackey first gave a fake name, then took off running. During the short chase, authorities say Mackey pulled a handgun and fired a shot toward the pursuing deputy, as reported by The Charlotte Observer.
Search zone and response
The search area spans rural and wooded tracts west of Jacksonville, where teams from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Police Department and the N.C. State Highway Patrol have been combing the terrain. The sheriff’s office has labeled Mackey “armed and dangerous” and urged anyone who spots him to stay away and call law enforcement instead. Residents can find local contact information and updates through the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office.
Charges and legal notes
Officials say Mackey is a convicted felon who already had an outstanding warrant on drug charges before Monday’s encounter. He now faces a stack of new felony counts, including attempted first-degree murder, felony assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, assault by pointing a gun, two counts of resisting a public officer and assault on a government official. Those charges were outlined by investigators and detailed in reporting by The Charlotte Observer.
What residents should do
Authorities say the search is active and ongoing, and they are asking people who live in and around Pony Farm Road to stay alert, lock their doors and immediately call 911 if they see anything suspicious or if they think they spot the suspect. Anonymous tips can be shared with Onslow Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273. County records list the incident location as 1945 Pony Farm Road, a detail noted in county planning documents available through Onslow County Planning.
