Hiker found tied to tree in North Carolina woods

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Rescuers found a 64-year-old female hiker tied to a tree off a trail near Potato Fields Gap along the Blue Ridge Parkway Thursday. Rescuers started looking for the woman after she sent texts to her friend and caretaker, who called 911, according to reports. They found her about an hour after the call.

Now rangers have released a description of a person of interest. Officials are looking for a white man, around 50, with a partial beard and a salt-and-pepper colored hair.

The woman was transported to Mission Hospital. Officials said her condition was not known. Check back with Channel 9 for updates on this developing story.  

Cox Media Group