BIG STONE GAP, Va. – A suspect in the armed robbery of Big Stone Gap hotel is now in custody.

The Wise County Sheriff’s Office had been investigating the incident, after a masked man entered the lobby of Quality Inn around 10:30 Monday night, armed with a rifle and demanding money.

He then fled in a dark-colored SUV.

Investigators were able to identify 41-year-old Byron Newsom, of Coeburn, as their suspect, then track him to Canton, North Carolina.

Police in North Carolina arrested him Wednesday.

He now awaits extradition back to Wise County.