Police hunting Marine deserter wanted in murder case

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Police examine a stolen RV after ramming it multiple times with an armored vehicle while searching for a Marine deserter who is wanted for questioning in a murder case, in Roanoke, Va. (AP)

ROANOKE, Va. - Authorities have closed all the city schools in Roanoke, Virginia, and warned people to lock their doors after spotting a recreational vehicle linked to a Marine deserter who is wanted for questioning in a murder case.

Roanoke Police Chief Tim Jones said at a news conference Thursday morning that officers got a call about a suspicious person near Patrick Henry High School. The chief said a recreational vehicle that Michael Alexander Brown had been driving was found nearby.

U.S. Marine Michael Alexander Brown (Franklin County Sheriff's Office via AP)

Later Thursday, authorities warned the public to stay away from the area around St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Grandin Village because of the potential for leaking propane connected to the camper. The Roanoke Times reported that police repeatedly rammed the camper, parked in the church’s lot, but Brown was not inside.

Photos showed the vehicle with severe damage on one side.

Jones said Brown is considered armed and dangerous. He may be looking for another mode of transportation or could be walking around in the area.

Brown is wanted for questioning in the death of his mother’s boyfriend, 54-year-old Rodney Brown.

Authorities say the Marine deserted his post last month at Camp Lejeune.