Cherokee County law enforcement officials are searching for a man who bailed out and fled into a wooded area near Highways 9 and 35 following a short chase that started in Centre.

According to what we’ve learned so far, a man apparently got out of his truck, which he was using to haul a trailer, and walked into the Mapco convenience store across from the Waffle King Restaurant in Centre – when an unidentified male jumped behind the wheel and drove away.

Authorities were in pursuit of that vehicle as the suspect took off toward Cedar Bluff, and at some point ended up leaving the vehicle and fleeing on foot along Highway 35.

We understand tracking dogs were being brought in from Georgia; the incident began around 11:15 this morning.

At approximately 11:45 we received word that the suspect was in custody – we’ll have additional information as its made available.