AN EXTENSIVE EMERGENCY MANHUNT IS UNDERWAY FOR A 24-YEAR-OLD NORTH CAROLINA MAN ACCUSED OF TAKING HIS GRANDMOTHER'S LIFE BEFORE STABBING A DEPUTY AND FLEEING ON FOOT. (PHOTO).

 An extensive emergency manhunt is underway for a 24-year-old North Carolina man accused of taking his grandmother's life before stabbing a deputy and fleeing on foot.

Residents of Eastern North Carolina are on edge this Halloween with a real-life boogeyman on the loose. The Sheriff of Craven has asked residents to "lay low" this Halloween (tonight) as the wanted man might try to blend in and hurt someone else taking part in Halloween festivities, including trick or treating. There have been a number of cancelations and closings, including the West Craven High-School Fall Fest, which was scheduled for Halloween night. Most area schools have been closed since Thursday, with students utilizing remote learning. 

All of this is in relation to one 24-year-old man who has managed to elude law enforcement since October 25th, although he had a close call on Wednesday, which resulted in a deputy being stabbed at a Bojangles restaurant. 

This all began when Craven County Deputies were called to a burned out Havelock, N.C, home on October 25th. Inside of the home, which had been destroyed, Deputies found the body of Patricia Lopedote. 

After determining Patricia's death was a homicide, they knew the fire had been set to destroy the crime scene.  Authorities concluded that Dominic Connelly was their only suspect. 

Authorities have been searching for Connelly since that time, with the first break in the case coming when Patricia's vehicle was discovered abandoned on October 28th in a New Bern, N.C parking lot.

Authorities were certain they had their man on October 29th when they received a 911 call from a Vanceboro, Bojangles. The caller stated they believed Connelly was inside of the establishment. 

A deputy quickly responded to the scene and found Connelly inside of the restroom.  However, during a brief scuffle, Connelly stabbed the deputy and fled the scene on foot. Connelly was last seen running towards the Bailey Lane Apartments behind the Bojangles. He was wearing all dark clothing at the time. 

The deputy who was stabbed was treated at a nearby hospital and released the same day.

Dominic Connelly is 5' 5" and 135 lbs with blonde hair and blue eyes. Authorities warn anyone who sees Connelly not to approach him. There is a state wide Blue Alert enacted at this time.

If you have seen Dominic Connelly or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please call the Craven County Sheriff's Office at 1-252-636-6620. Or simply dial 911. Do not approach this man at all.