MARTINSVILLE, VA – A man is facing multiple charges for a shooting, leading police on a vehicle chase and breaking into a church in Martinsville.
The police department responded to the area of Food Lion on Brookdale Road for shots being fired in the road.
Police say a vehicle matching the description was found in the area and they tried to stop it, but the vehicle led them on a pursuit.
The chase ended on Berkshire Place, where the driver jumped out and ran from the officers.
While officers were chasing the man, the vehicle he was driving caught fire and was a total loss.
According to police radio traffic, parts of the gun used in the incident were found in the 1400 block of Spruce Street Extension.
Around two hours later, someone heard glass breaking in the area of the Forest Hills Presbyterian Church and called police.
Officers responded, found several broken windows, made entry into the church and arrested the suspect who was hiding in the church.
Tommy Lee Marlowe, of Bassett, was charged with the following:
Felony eluding police
Assault on law enforcement officers
Resisting arrest
Hit and run
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Breaking and entering
Felony destruction of property
No insurance
No registration
Police said no one was injured during the pursuit or during Marlowe's arrest.
The church now has thousands of dollars in damages, according to police.