Full Notification

July 27, 2017
Missing Person Thomas Bryson
6:30pm
 
Following the arrest of Phillip Michael Stroupe II in McDowell County, NC, the search for Thomas Bryson in Henderson County and surrounding areas has continued to intensify. The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office along with local, state and federal agencies are investigating and following leads in multiple counties and jurisdictions. Detectives have reason to believe Phillip Michael Stroupe II may have traveled into eastern Tennessee before he was involved in the chase that culminated in his capture and arrest in McDowell County.
 
The public in both Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee are urged to continue to provide information that may lead to Thomas Bryson’s location by contacting local law enforcement.
 
Sheriff Charles McDonald and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all the partnering agencies who provided support throughout today’s search efforts. The public outpouring of support for the Bryson family and first responders has been appreciated.
 
Victim Description and Vehicle Information:
 
Thomas A. Bryson, is a 68 year old man, approximately 5’9”, 175 lbs. with gray mustache and hair. He left his residence in the South Mills River Road area in Henderson County, NC at approximately 8:35am on July 26, 2017. He was last seen wearing a plaid, dark colored shirt, brown cargo shorts and tennis shoes. Bryson is believed to have been kidnapped by manhunt suspect Phillip Michael Stroupe II. Stroupe was taken into custody early on 7/27/2017 in McDowell County, NC, but Thomas Bryson has not been located.
 
Thomas Bryson’s vehicle was being driven by Phillip Stroupe at the time of his arrest. It is described as a as a silver Honda Ridgeline with NC tag number AAR-7345. The vehicle has a West Henderson Falcons tag on the front and a West Henderson magnet on the back of the vehicle.