Video: Armed man at large

VERMILION — An armed man who evaded law enforcement after a vehicle and foot chase Sunday told police he was a "sovereign soul" and didn't need a driver's license because Jesus Christ said so, according to a police report. Vermilion police are searching for James Earl Thompson, 39, who has both Vermilion and Lorain addresses listed. Law enforcement says he might be armed, and people should not approach him if they see him, and instead call 911. Thompson has an active child support warrant and faces new charges including fleeing and eluding, reckless operation and driving under suspension, according to a Vermilion police report. The incident started at 1:50 p.m. Sunday when a Vermilion officer pulled over Thompson's GMC Sonoma at Grand Street and Liberty Avenue after a caller said he was trying to get inside a Jeep, the report states. Police Chief Chris Hartung said officers encountered Thompson a day prior when he was involved in a dispute with a woman. Thompson pulled over at the Ritter Public Library parking lot and officers spoke to him. When police asked him for his driver's license, Thompson told them he was a "sovereign citizen" and "sovereign soul" and didn't need a license, the report states. Body camera footage shows Thompson also claim that Jesus Christ says he doesn't need a license. "Jesus Christ has nothing to do with the laws of America," a Vermilion officer tells Thompson, who then refutes the officer's statement. Video then shows Thompson speed away in his truck. Officers gave chase before Thompson crashed into a ditch at U.S. 6 and Risden Road, according to the report. He then ran on foot through the nearby Vermilion Golf Course. Officers chased him and believed they saw him holding a pistol in one hand, the report states. Police said he never pointed a weapon at them. Police gave him commands to drop his weapon; he yelled back at officers but did not drop the object he was holding, according to the report. Thompson made it to the railroad tracks south of the golf course and crossed over the tracks. Police took cover and waited for an Erie County Sheriff's Office K-9 officer and handler to arrive and attempt to track him. The foot pursuit, and a K-9's attempt to track Thompson was hindered by heavy rain Sunday afternoon, Hartung said. They ultimately weren't able to locate him. Officers then had Thompson's vehicle towed to their station, and they then searched inside. Police did not find any firearms but found multiple loaded magazines for an AK-47 rifle, 9mm ammunition, multiple knifes, a bulletproof vest, a backpack with survival equipment and a cellphone. Hartung said anyone with information on Thompson's whereabouts should call 911 but not approach him directly. "We are actively tracking him down," the chief added. A Jan. 14 Twitter post claims Thompson is a member of the Ohio Proud Boys militia and that he was present at the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol; the post includes photos of a man, claimed to be Thompson, holding a noose somewhere outdoors and a selfie outside what appears to be FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. Local law enforcement officials said they're aware of these claims, but were not able to verify their accuracy. Update: The FBI is not investigating Thompson for any connection to the Jan. 6 riot, according to spokesperson Vicki Anderson-Gregg. Click here for the update. Provided/Twitter