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N.C. man escapes standoff with SWAT

The News-Record

MAYODAN, N.C. — Rockingham County authorities are looking for an armed man who eluded deputies Thursday night.

The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy was called to 127 Cupcake Trail at 7:10 p.m. Thursday to investigate a domestic disturbance. One of the residents, Mary Hairston, said her husband pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot her.

Mary Hairston had tried to call police, but her husband yanked out the telephone lines. She then ran next door to call for help.

The deputy and Mayodan police thought the suspect, Mark Tracy Hairston, was still inside the house. They evacuated several nearby homes and waited for more officers.

After the sheriff office’s Special Response Team got there, authorities determined that Mark Hairston had left the house before the first deputy had arrived.

Authorities are now looking for Hairston, who faces these four charges: first degree kidnapping, assault on a female, assault by pointing a gun and communicating threats.

The sheriff’s office described Hairston, 43, as a black man who stands about 6 feet tall and weighs about 155 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who knows where he might be can call 911 or the Sheriff’s Office at 634-3232 or Crime Stoppers at 349-9683.

Copyright 2008 The News-Record