UPDATE: ‘Armed and dangerous’ suspect out of Fayetteville found dead near Canadian border

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — UPDATE: Authorities said a man wanted by law enforcement in Georgia on child molestation charges is dead. The Rabun County Sheriff’s office said James Appel took his life on Sunday when law enforcement agencies near the Canadian border attempted to arrest him.

Appel was wanted in connection to a child molestation incident in Fayetteville.

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The Fayetteville Police Department is asking the public to be on alert for 34-year-old James Appel, who is wanted in connection with an alleged child molestation incident.

Authorities want anyone who sees Appel or knows where he is, to call 911 immediately with that information.

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Appel is considered armed and dangerous, so people are asked to not approach him. He may be armed with a handgun and possibly an AR-15 style rifle.

Appel is thought to be traveling in a gray 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The vehicle is registered in Georgia with tag RXL 3095, but it may also have a temporary Alabama tag with an unknown registration number.

Appel is believed to be in the North Georgia or North Carolina area.

Appel is accused in a June case where police responded to a child molestation report. Authorities issued an arrest warrants child molestation and incest. When Appel learned of the warrants, police said he left the area.

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