Sniper police issue arrest warrant for man

Police hunting the Washington serial sniper have issued an arrest warrant for a man they believe has useful information.

Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose says John Allen Muhammad should be considered "armed and dangerous".

The 42-year-old is being sought on a federal weapons charge.

Chief Moose said: "Do not assume from this allegation that John Allen Muhammad, also known as John Allen Williams, is involved in any of the shootings."

Chief Moose also issued another direct message to the sniper, saying: "Let's talk directly. We have an answer for you about your option. We are waiting for you to contact us."

A US official in Washington said authorities are looking for two "people of interest", including one who was formerly connected to Fort Lewis, an Army base that provides some of the most intense sniper training in the US military.

The warrant raises hopes that investigators have a solid lead in their search for the sniper who has killed 10 and critically wounded three people since October 2.

The announcement comes hours after the investigation jumped across the country.

FBI agents, acting on information from the sniper task force, searched a rental home in Tacoma seeking evidence related to ammunition, a senior law enforcement official in Washington says.