MEADVILLE — A man who fled on foot after stabbing a Franklin County sheriff’s deputy in the hand was captured by officers early Sunday, said Franklin County Sheriff James Newman.

Thorpe, 31, address unknown, was captured without incident at 1:45 a.m. near U.S. 84 one mile from Meadville, ending an 18-hour manhunt by officers of several agencies.

At 11 p.m. Saturday, a local resident driving on U.S. 84 saw Thorpe hitchhiking and called the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, which called in canine units from the Natchez Police Department. Almost three hours later, dogs led officers to where Thorpe was hiding under a bridge.

On Saturday morning, Thorpe was allegedly trying to steal a container of anhydrous ammonia — used in making crystal methamphetamine — from a farm just west of Meadville. When a deputy tried to stop him, Thorpe allegedly stabbed the deputy through the left hand with a screwdriver and fled into a wooded area. He allegedly broke down the door of a house in the area to fix himself something to eat. No one was in the house at the time.

Thorpe is scheduled to have his first appearance today in Franklin County Justice Court, Newman said. He faces charges of attempted grand larceny, assault on a police officer and burglary.