Hickory Man Now in Custody After Manhunt

James Wallace Jernigan, age 45 of Hickory, is in custody following an intense manhunt that began on Thursday. Jernigan is charged with felony robbery with a dangerous weapon and felony larceny of a motor vehicle.

Catawba County Deputies along with Conover Police had gone to an apartment complex on Thursday with a warrant but Jernigan was not at the location. A Juvenile female was thought to be in his company as the manhunt began. The juvenile was found Friday morning in Catawba County and has been returned to her family.

Jernigan is being held without bond in the Catawba County Detention Center. He’s scheduled to make a first court appearance on Monday in Newton.

Photo: Catawba County Sheriff’s Office