Rape suspect still at large
By Melanie Davis
Melanie@mountaintimes.com

The search is continuing for a man accused of first-degree rape in an incident that occurred Sunday morning in Boone.

Officers with the Boone Police Department responded to a residence on Blowing Rock Road after a female reported a sexual assault.

The victim, 46, was transported to Watauga Medical Center where she was treated and released. The victim did not reside at the Blowing Rock Road address.

She identified her attacker as Steven Wayne Powers, 54, an acquaintance. A warrant for arrest has been issued for Powers, though authorities have not yet been able to locate him.

The arrest warrant lists 417 Blowing Rock Road as his residence, though Capt. William Greene of the Boone Police Department said Powers is known to move frequently.

Powers is described as a white male, 5 feet, 11 inches tall, with long salt and pepper hair, likely to be pulled back in a ponytail. A vehicle description is unavailable.

A photo is unavailable of Powers, despite previous arrests on multiple driving while impaired charges, communicating threats charges, and assault charges. Powers was scheduled to appear in district court on Wednesday on one of the communicating threats charges.

Anyone with information on Powers' whereabouts is urged to call the Boone PD at (828) 268-6900.

Anonymous calls may also be made to the Watauga County Crimestoppers at (828) 268-6959.