The search continues for a Fort Drum soldier who escaped from military custody and remains a fugitive at this hour. Russell Marcum, 20, led police on a chase Thursday night which ended in Otsego County. Beth Jones has more.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

OTSEGO COUNTY, N.Y. -- State Police have broadened their search area for a Fort Drum soldier who escaped military custody.

Police say Russell Marcum, 20, was released from jail in Jefferson County for numerous burglary charges Thursday and was turned over to Military Police. That's when they say he escaped, went to his parent's home and stole their vehicle.

Marcum then led police on a chase through Madison and Oneida County and into Otsego County.

Troopers say Marcum's vehicle became disabled near the intersection of Route 20 and Cole Hill Road in Richfield Springs. At that point, they say he took off on foot. The search area now extends south from the Town of Richfield on Route 20.

Local school officials have also taken extra precautions.

Marcum is described is 6 feet 3 inches tall, 180 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing camouflage clothing.

A search command post is set up at the West Winfield Fire Station. Residents living in the search area are being advised to stay indoors and keep your homes and cars locked and if you see something suspicious, call 911.