convicted child sex offender captured

Phillip L. Hammock, 38, surrendered to authorities after a three day manhunt. Police said that Hammock last week led them on a long chase in a stolen truck in Townsend that authorities feared would end near Townsend Elementary School. Hammock was convicted in 2003 of sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl, according to reports.

Townsend Police Department Officer Frank Shearl requested a lockdown at the school to prevent a potential hostage situation.  On Oct. 23^rd Hammock entered the Custom Log Furniture store on Wears Valley Road where Pigeon Forge Police Chief Jack Baldwin stated Hammock drew a handgun, aimed at an employee and demanded cash.  Hammock fled in a white Ford pickup truck that police allege was stolen in Alabama. Shearl stated he saw the vehicle on Wears Valley Rd. and started his pursuit of Hammond. Hammond then went into the woods where he allegedly pulled a gun on Shearl who then fired one round from his shotgun. The events which began on Friday came to a close three days later with Hammock's arrest. Hammock was charged with receiving stolen property, violating probation, and faces charges in Pigeon Forge of armed robbery and in Townsend of aggravated assault and possession of a stolen vehicle.