Police agencies across our area search for Branscome

Police are everywhere in Floyd County, but the person they’re looking for, 32 year-old Steven Branscome, is nowhere in sight.

“It’s an incredible amount of police,“ says Floyd native Frankie Turpin. “I was working with a guy yesterday who said he passed 35 cops on the road on the way to work.“

Investigators in North Carolina are now working to find out if a truck found near Interstate 77 is the same one that was stolen from a tree farm in Floyd County and if Branscome was behind the wheel. 

We asked state police if Branscome is linked to the truck if they would re-route the search, but say at this point, they’re still waiting for more information.

For now, they’re in Floyd County; an area where Branscome grew up.
 
“There’s plenty of places to hide,“ says Floyd Resident Phillip Hammond. But, it would be nice if they would find him.“

Along with state police, law enforcement agencies in Carroll, Wythe and Pulaski counties are assisting in the search.  Deputies are interviewing Branscome’s friends, searching wooded areas, setting up checkpoints and running down leads.

A spokesperson with state police tells 10 on your side that if a strong lead comes in, then anywhere from 50-100 people are on duty. That number includes troopers, investigators, special agents and canine handlers.“

State police also tell us they hope this search comes to a peaceful end with no one, including Branscome, getting hurt.