Foot Chase Ends with Subject Hiding Under a Large Christmas Tree

Foot Chase Ends with Subject Hiding under a Large Christmas Tree

WEST JEFFERSON, N.C. – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of 41-year-old
Dennis Lee Lyall of West Jefferson. Dennis had an outstanding order for arrest for
possession of a firearm by a felon.

On April 23rd, 2023, Sheriff’s Deputy Wingler was attempting
to serve outstanding arrest warrants on Dennis Lyall, who
fled on foot after an altercation with law enforcement.
The subject ran through the neighborhood and passed
through several open fields attempting to evade arrest. Sgt.
Milam and Deputy Baldwin, with WJPD officers, arrived to
aid in the search. Deputies checked and cleared a nearby
residence to ensure Lyall was not utilizing the place to hide
and continued the search.

The search led officers to a Christmas tree field, where
Deputy Wingler noticed Lyall hiding under a very large tree.
Lyall was then placed under arrest and transported to the
Ashe County Detention Center.

Dennis Lyall, 41, of West Jefferson, NC, was booked on the following charges at
the Ashe County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.
• Resisting Public Officer
• Felony Possess Controlled Substance Prison/Jail Premises
• Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon