Cherokee County Sheriff: Armed Suspect Kevin Garrett Ledbetter Arrested in Tennessee

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. — Kevin Garrett Ledbetter, the man previously listed as armed and dangerous by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, has been arrested in Unicoi County, Tennessee, Sheriff Chris Wood announced Tuesday.

Ledbetter was the subject of a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) issued on February 13, 2026. At the time, authorities described him as a white male, approximately 5'11" with red hair, last seen wearing a black hoodie and pajama pants near Fall Branch Road and Hendrix Road. Sheriff Wood had warned residents not to approach Ledbetter, emphasizing that he was considered armed and dangerous.

Sheriff Wood expressed gratitude to Tennessee law enforcement for their cooperation in the arrest, highlighting the importance of cross-state collaboration to ensure those who threaten communities are brought to justice.

“Thanks to our partners in Tennessee for their professionalism and assistance in ensuring that those who victimize our citizens and communities don’t escape justice by crossing state lines,” Sheriff Wood said.