ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Interstate 81 is shut down around mile marker 146 in both directions, near Gander Mountain. Virginia State Police say Roanoke County Police started chasing someone around 8:45 a.m.
Roanoke County Police say a man either fell asleep or passed out in a vehicle at the Ready Mart, in the 8000 block of Gander Road. Police say someone called for a well-being check and the person fled past Gander Mountain, across the interstate, near Roanoke Valley Cathedral.
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Police say a canine is now searching the area behind the cathedral.
Police describe him as a slender white male, weighing about 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and plaid shorts.
As of 9:25 a.m. backups on Interstate 81 northbound are more than one mile onto Interstate 581 and southbound backups are more than two miles.
We're working to get more information as the story develops.