WSLS News Staff
Published: March 31, 2008

Updated 7:45 p.m. Monday

The U.S. Marshal’s Office has also joined the manhunt for Steven Branscome.

Investigators call the search an “around the clock” operation.

Branscome has not been since a Floyd County sheriff’s office investigator came across him on Sunday, March 30th.

Floyd County Sheriff Shannon Zeman still considers Branscome armed and dangerous.

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Updated 3:03 p.m. Monday

State Police tell us that Steven Branscome has changed his appearance by cutting his hair.

They say when he was spotted Sunday morning, he had a military-style, close-cropped hair cut.  He was wearing a dark-colored tee-shirt and blue jeans.

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Updated 2:31 p.m. Monday

State Police are offering a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest of Steven Branscome.

Police tell 10 On Your Side that Branscome is related to former two term Floyd County Sheriff George Branscome. Police think Bransomce’s possible knowledge of police tactics is why he’s been able to escape them for so long.

According to a search warrant filed in Floyd County, police intercepted text messages from Branscome to an unidentified person, before the shooting on March 26th. Police say the message said “police will have to shoot him and he will not go back to jail.”

People in the Willis area of Floyd County tell 10 On Your Side, they are surprised Branscome would do something like this.

The search in this area is still ongoing, but has been scaled back.

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Updated 10:35 a.m. Monday

10 On Your Side’s Ashley Roberts is on the scene of the manhunt in Floyd County.

She reports that police plan to suspend the search at noon, if there are not any additional sightings of Branscome.

Police have already scaled down their search team from 150 officers to 50 officers.

There have been no reports of stolen cars, so investigators believe Branscome is on foot, and still armed.

Police have been receiving calls from residents who are returning from out of town, and helping those people check their homes to make sure Branscome is not in them.

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Updated 10:55 p.m. Sunday

A quaint little school on a winding country road is now overrun with police. Indian Valley School is now the command center in their search for Steven Branscome.

Right across the street is where Jay Offenberger lives. “All these police cars over here and the helicopter was searching around and looks like they’re staying over on the other side of the school,” Offenberger said.

Armed officers at 13 intersections stopped everyone coming through the area, making sure the man they’re looking for didn’t slip away. It’s a small town where the name, Steven Branscome, rings a bell. “My father-in-law says he’s seen him at their church a couple of times the last few years, but I don’t know him personally,” Offenberger said.

All this is going on because police say they saw Branscome in a stolen Ford F-150 in the area. “The vehicle turned into a driveway and Branscome bailed out of the vehicle and ran into a wooded area,” said Sgt. Bob Carpentieri with Virginia State Police.

It will be a cold night and police say they don’t think Branscome was wearing a jacket. They’re hoping he’ll get cold and give up a little sooner.

But all these police officers from more than a dozen agencies are putting their heads together. “Mr. Branscome is familiar with the area, so it may take a little bit longer, but we have a lot of resources out there so I hope to bring this to a conclusion today,” said Sgt. Carpentieri.

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Updated 9:00 p.m.

State Police say they have not decided if school will be closed Monday at Indian Valley Elementary School, where police have set up a command center.

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Updated 5:16 p.m.

State Police say they are setting up a perimeter in the Indian Valley area of Floyd County to try and keep him confined.

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Updated 4:52 p.m.

State Police tell us an officer spotted Steven Branscome driving the stolen dark blue Ford F-150 pickup truck this morning around 10:15 on Indian Valley Road. Officers followed Branscome down Indian Valley Road for about three-quarters of a mile, when Branscome turned onto a dirt road. That’s when police say he ran off into the woods.

Police tell Ten On Your Side that Branscome does not have a jacket on.

WSLS has a crew on the scene are working to keep you updated as new information comes in. Tune into WSLS Ten On Your Side at 6:00 p.m. for the latest.

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Updated 1:42p.m.

Police from over a dozen agencies are actively searching Sunday afternoon for Steven Branscome. State Police tell us that the dark blue 1988 Ford F-150 that was stolen Saturday afternoon was spotted in Floyd County.

The original plates for that pick up truck are West Virginia tags 5LW327. Police tell Ten On Your Side that Branscome has been known to change plates on the other cars he’s stolen, so the tags on this truck may have also been changed. Police say Branscome has been sticking to back roads.

WSLS has a crew on the scene of this afternoon’s search for Branscome and are working to keep you updated as new information comes in.

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Updated 7:45 p.m.

There is new information on the car Branscome was first spotted in outside of the home in Glen Lyn. State police say Branscome was sitting in a black Ford Tempo, when Troopers Hughes and Barton drove up (to serve two arrest warrants for William Pennington), Branscome sped off, that is when the seven minute chase started. The Tempo (stolen from the Floyd County School Board) had been spray-painted black and Branscome put his license plate on it.

Branscome, in addition to his prior warrants (grand larceny and breaking-and-entering in Wythe County) is now wanted for malicious wounding, for shooting Trooper Hughes, and wanton endangerment.

Pennington turned himself into police on Friday for felony credit card fraud and misdemeanor credit card fraud. He was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Saturday. He is now being held without bond.

We have a crew talking to Trooper Hughes this evening. We will bring you the latest in the search for Branscome and our interview with Hughes tonight on WSLS 10 at 11:00 p.m.

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Updated 4:38 p.m.
Police are following a lead in West Virginia after a pick up truck was reported stolen. Police are looking for a dark blue 1988 Ford F-150 truck with extensive body damage with West Virginia tags, 5LW327. Reports say there is damage to the driver’s door, both the front and back bumpers.

Police have not linked Branscome to this truck, but need your help to fint it.

If you see this truck or Branscome, please call 911.

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Updated 1:16 p.m.
The manhunt continues as State Police from West Virginia and Virginia search for Steven Branscome. Police have parts of the Glen Lyn area blocked off as they hunt for the suspect who is still considered armed and dangerous.

West Virginia State Police towed a dark-colored sedan from the scene Friday night. This is the car that troopers found Branscome sitting in, outside of the house. Police say the car was stolen from the Floyd County School Board and that Branscome put his license plate on it.

The man police were originally went to the house in Glen Lyn to arrest is William Pennington. Pennington told investigators he did not know Branscome and had no idea why he was sitting in his driveway. Pennington later turned himself in. He was wanted on felony credit card fraud and misdemeanor credit card fraud.

State Police describe Branscome as a 32-year-old white man, 6 ft. tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. Branscome was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, and blue jeans. If you see him, call 911.

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Updated 12:50 a.m..:
State police in West Virginia and Virginia have not scaled back the search. At last report, dog teams were tracking Branscome beyond the West Virginia state line. Residents in and around the Glen Lyn area are still being urged to keep their doors locked, children inside, and make sure any vehicles are locked.
Branscome is still considered armed and dangerous.

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Updated 10:36 p.m.:

Weather forced the helicopter used in the manhunt to be grounded.

Officers from at least 12 different police departments are helping in the search.

Police still believe Branscome is in the Glen Lyn area, and are asking families in the area to remain cautious.

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Updated 8:35 p.m.:

Mugshot added

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Updated 7:57 p.m.:

New info. recap:

• Shooting happened over state line in West Virginia.
• Wythe Co. Sheriff’s Office looking for Branscome since Monday

Virginia State Police, and officers from several other departments are searching for a man they say shot a trooper in Giles County this afternoon.

Troopers tell us the suspect’s name is Steven Branscome. Police believe he is still armed and dangerous, and in the Glen Lyn area of Giles County.

Troopers are alerting people who live in and around Glen Lyn to keep their homes and vehicles locked, as well as keep their children inside.

Police describe Branscome as a white man, between 5 ft. 10 in. and 6 ft. tall, with brown hair. Branscome was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, and blue jeans. If you see him, call 911.

Officers with Virginia State Police, West Virginia State Police, the Giles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department are helping with the search. Police are using at least one helicopter, search dogs, and 4-wheelers to look for Branscome. Police have also set-up roadblocks in the area.

The incident started when Troopers Richard Hughes and Steve Barton went to a home in Glen Lyn to serve a felony warrant for a friend of Branscome. First Sergeant Mike Honaker with State Police out of Dublin say when Troopers Hughes and Barton got to the home, they spotted an individual in a car, who turned out to be Branscome. Honkaer says Branscome then sped off in the car.

The troopers Hughes and Barton chased Branscome up a mountain near the border with West Virginia, and at some point crossed the state line. Branscome hit a rock, jumped out of the car, ran 100 yards from the car, and hit behind a tree.

When Trooper Hughes approached where Branscome was hiding, State Police say Branscome jumped out from behind the tree and fired 6 to 8 times at Trooper Hughes, and hit Hughes in the back-right part of the neck. The bullet missed Hughes’ spinal cord by less than half-an-inch according to Honaker.

EMS crews took Hughes to Giles Memorial Hospital. Hughes was not seriously hurt. He was treated, then up and walking around within a couple of hours. Trooper Hughes has since been released from the hospital, and identified Branscome as the man he chased and was shot at by.

At this point, the Virginia State Police are in charge of the administrative investigation, and West Virginia State Police are in charges of the criminal investigation since the actual shooting happened on their side of the border.

Troopers say Branscome is also wanted in Floyd County, Pulaski County, and Wythe County on breaking and entering charges.

The Wythe County Sheriff’s Office tells us they’ve been looking for Branscome since Monday. Investigators believe Branscome stole a safe from a lime plant in Austinville. When deputies from Wythe County started interviewing Branscome’s family and friends, they told deputies that Branscome said in the past he was “Not going back to jail.” Investigators thought Branscome was armed, because they say Branscome had stolen guns from a house.

Then this past Wednesday, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that Branscome may be hiding in a house in their area.

Then on Thursday, Wythe County deputies started handing pictures of Branscome in Barren Springs.

Troopers Hughes and Barton cover Giles County for State Police. Sgt. Honaker tells us that Trooper Hughes has been with State Police for six years, and worked in Giles County for the past six months. Honaker says Hughes worked in Pittsylvania County before that.

Stay with WSLS, and http://www.wsls.com for information on this developing story.

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Updated 7:27 p.m.

Virginia State Police, and officers from several other departments are searching for a man they say shot a trooper in Giles County this afternoon.

Troopers tell us the suspect’s name is Steven Branscome. Police believe he is still armed and dangerous, and in the Glen Lyn area of Giles County.

Troopers are alerting people who live in and around Glen Lyn to keep their homes and vehicles locked, as well as keep their children inside.

Police describe Branscome as a white man, between 5 ft. 10 in. and 6 ft. Tall, with brown hair. Branscome was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, and blue jeans. If you see him, call 911.

Officers with Virginia State Police, West Virginia State Police, the Giles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department are helping with the search. Police are using at least one helicopter, search dogs, and 4-wheelers to look for Branscome. Police have also set-up roadblocks in the area.

Troopers say Branscome is also wanted in Floyd County, Pulaski County, and Wythe County on breaking and entering charges.

The incident started when Troopers Richard Hughes and Steve Barton went to a home in Glen Lyn to serve a felony warrant for a friend of Branscome. First Sergeant Mike Honaker with State Police out of Dublin say when Troopers Hughes and Barton got to the home, they spotted an individual in a car, who turned out to be Branscome. Honkaer says Branscome then sped off in the car.

The troopers Hughes and Barton chased Branscome up a mountain near the border with West Virginia. Branscome hit a rock, jumped out of the car, ran 100 yards from the car, and hit behind a tree.

When Trooper Hughes approached where Branscome was hiding, State Police say Branscome jumped out from behind the tree and fired 6 to 8 times at Trooper Hughes, and hit Hughes in the back-right part of the neck. The bullet missed Hughes’ spinal cord by less than half-an-inch according to Honaker.

EMS crews took Hughes to Giles Memorial Hospital. Hughes was not seriously hurt. He was treated, then up and walking around within a couple of hours. Trooper Hughes has since been released from the hospital.

Troopers Hughes and Barton cover Giles County for State Police. Sgt. Honaker tells us that Trooper Hughes has been with State Police for six years, and worked in Giles County for the past six months. Honaker says Hughes worked in Pittsylvania County before that.

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Updated 6:49 p.m.

Troopers Richard Hughes and Steve Barton went to a home in Glen Lyn to serve a felony warrant for Steven Branscome.

When they got to the home, the troopers spotted an individual in a car who they believed to be Branscome.

Branscome then sped off in the car.

The troopers chased Branscome up a mountain near the border with West Virginia.

Branscome then jumped out of the car, ran 100 yards from the car, and hit behind a tree.

When Trooper Hughes approached where Branscome was hiding, State Police say Branscome jumped out from behind the tree and fired 6 to 8 times at Trooper Hughes, and hit Hughes in the back-right part of the neck.

Trooper Hughes is at Giles Memorial Hospital in good condition. He’s expected to be released later tonight.

State Police say Branscome is considered armed and dangerous. Troopers believe he is still in the Glen Lyn area. Troopers are asking people living in and around the area to lock their homes and cars, and not let children play outside.

If you see Branscome, call 911 or State Police.

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Updated 6:27 p.m.

10 On Your Side’s Rosa Duarte talked with State Police. The trooper who was shot is Richard Hughes. Investigators say Trooper hughes was shot at 6 or 7 times, and hit in the neck. The bullet went through Trooper Hughes’ neck and missed his spinal cord by less than half an inch.

Trooper Hughes is up and walking around.

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Updated 6:23 p.m.

Officers set up roadblock at the intersection of Lurich Road and East River Mountain Road.

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Updated 5:04 p.m.

According to the Giles County Sheriff’s Office, a State Police trooper has been shot.

The shooting happened in the Glen Lyn area of Giles County.

The trooper is okay. EMS crews took the trooper to Giles Memorial Hospital. The suspect is still on the loose.

Stay with WSLS, and http://www.wsls.com for information on this developing story.

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Breaking News: Trooper shot in Glen Lyn according to Giles County Sheriff’s Dept. WSLS working on getting more information.