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Manhunt underway for armed man on the run in Newton, Jasper County, residents asked to stay inside

The Newton County Sheriff's Office is asking residents in the Gist area south of Buna to lock doors and stay inside.

NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — Multiple law enforcement agencies are looking for an armed man in the Gist area. 

The manhunt started Sunday night, Dec. 15 and is still ongoing as of noon Monday, Dec. 16. 

Officials have set up a perimeter around County Road 3136 to locate the suspect, our 12News crew on scene reported. 

Gist is located about 11 miles south of Buna and north of Mauriceville. 

Newton County Sheriff Billy Rowles told 12News they're looking for the man, who's not a threat to the community, on a mental health warrant.

Rowles said the man has threatened to kill law enforcement officers. He said they believe the man has a sawed off shotgun and pistol with him. Authorities also believe he's hiding in a hunting club in Gist. 

Residents in the area are being asked by the sheriff's office to go inside and lock the doors as a precaution.  

Several agencies are helping in the search. Jefferson County Sheriff's Office sent a helicopter to help look for the person, but were unable to locate him. 

Officials haven't released details about what led to the search. 12News is working to find out more information. 

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