WEIRTON, W.Va. -- The search continued Thursday for a felon who ran from police in Weirton on Wednesday.

Donald Gaschler, 41, of Follansbee, is wanted on distribution of heroin and weapons charges. Police said Gaschler is considered dangerous and is known to carry weapons.

Officers said they spotted him Wednesday and recognized the van he was driving. An officer said as he was waiting for backup, Gaschler spotted him, then took off running on foot. Police and U.S. deputy marshals spent all night searching for him. Helicopters and K-9s were also brought in to help police search through the woods.

Gaschler was last seen wearing a dark blue sweatshirt and light blue pants, possibly hospital scrubs.

Hancock County Sheriff Mike White said every agency in Hancock and Brooke counties is on the lookout for Gaschler and police are following up on several leads.

"The sooner we get him picked up, the sooner it's safer for everybody. The longer this drags out, the more unsafe it becomes for the individual we're looking for and officers out here," White said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police or the NEWS9 Lauttamus Security Crimebusters Tipline at 800-862-BUST.