LANSING, Mich. — The manhunt is still underway for wanted fugitive, Joshawa Vergason.
Michigan State Police were out again on Thursday, searching the Eaton Rapids area for the 23 year old, who's wanted on felony charges.
Vergason was last seen near Bunker Highway and South Smith Road, north of Eaton Rapids.
On Thursday, police were out searching the area, putting the community on edge.
"It's been pretty crazy," said a Eaton Rapids liquor store employee.
With police presence in the air, on the ground and undercover, local businesses in the Eaton Rapids area have been on high alert since police began their search for Joshawa Vergason.
They warn the public he should be considered armed and dangerous and that people in the area should lock their doors.
"It's hard having to explain to my daughter what is going on and telling my niece who wants to ride their bike downtown, that she can't," said the employee. "This is a small community where we should be able to do those things."
The party store employee adds that it's this small community feel that makes the situation harder, knowing that one of their own is a fugitive.
"He's never given me any problems, but he is somebody's son, he's somebody's father and I just don't want to see anything bad happen to him."
The manhunt for Vergason began Wednesday when he fled his home.
Those that know him, believe he is more harm to himself than to the public.
"I think that he's not out to harm anybody, he just doesn't want to go to jail."
Vergason is charged in Eaton County for various crimes, such as resisting and obstructing officers, aggravated assault, and assault on a K9.
Residents tell FOX 47 News that they want the manhunt to end peacefully.
"This is a small community and I just want him to stop running, do his time, so he can go on with his life."
Eaton County Sheriff's department is assisting MSP in this investigation.
Authorities ask that anyone who sees Vergason to call 911 and to not approach him.
For more information, including the vehicles he may be traveling in, click here.
Stay with FOX 47 News and FOX47News.com as we follow this situation.
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