UPDATE: The hiker known as 'Sovereign', who was arrested after allegedly threatening hikers on the Appalachian Trail, will not face new charges.
He was released from jail Thursday and given probation and fines. His original charges are criminal impersonation and drug charges.
Investigators told 10News that none of the witnesses were willing to go to court as witnesses.
Original Story & Updates: A hiker that was let off the hook earlier Monday has been arrested after all, according to Unicoi County authorities.
The bizarre story took multiple twists Monday.
Unicoi County Sheriff Mike Hensley said the suspect, identified by his trail name of 'Sovereign,' is now facing assault charges based on an incident on Recter Laurel Road in Unicoi County, Tenn.
James Louis Jordan, 30, was charged with criminal impersonation, possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia, WCYB in the Tri-Cities said a report from the Unicoi County Sheriff's Department stated.
"Subject on the AT we received several complaints about has been located and checked by North Carolina Law Enforcement in Madison County," Hensley wrote on Facebook.
The man was reportedly in possession of marijuana, a pipe, and a 20-inch knife, according to the sheriff.
"He was slurring his words, trouble standing to the point I allowed him to rest on the hood of my car," the report said.
Investigators said he had bloodshot eyes and smelled of marijuana so they searched him and that's when they found the knife and drugs.
According to WCYB, other charges in Unicoi County against Jordan are pending and in other jurisdictions along the trail.
Earlier Monday, the man had been described as armed with a machete and dangerous -- but then the Madison County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina told WLOS in Asheville that they had made contact with the man, and didn't believe there was a threat.
Investigators said the object initially believed to be a machete was a guitar, and that the man has made no criminal threats and wasn't going to be charged with a crime.
However, Unicoi authorities said a suspect caused a disturbance in the Sams Gap Area and was under the influence of an intoxicant. The suspect reportedly gave investigators a fake name and identification, according to the report.
Original story
A hiker on the Appalachian Trail who threatened hikers Sunday in North Carolina could be headed to Tennessee, according to Unicoi County authorities.
►10Listens: Can you carry a gun on the Appalachian Trail?
Sheriff Mike Hensley told WCYB that the man is considered armed and dangerous.
Sheriff Hensley posted on his Facebook page that the man, who calls himself "Sovereign“ had brandished a knife and machete at hikers.
The man also threatened hikers with a shovel at the JeriCabin shelter and checkpoint in Madison County, North Carolina, according to the eyewitnesses who contacted police.
The sheriff said the man has a pit bull terrier with him.
Hensley told WCYB that his office was notified by North Carolina officials and that investigators are on the trail searching for the individual.
Anyone with information on the hiker can call 911 or dial (423) 743-1850.
WCYB contributed to this report.