ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. -- A man who police said was suspected in a robbery at the Food Lion grocery store on Roxboro Road in Haw River was later found dead by deputies who were assisting in the search.

Haw River police said the man, Ronnie Lee Hayes, 47, of Green Level, was fighting with employees when they were dispatched to the scene. Police said Hayes was attempting to steal some steaks when he assaulted an employee and ran away.

An officer saw Hayes walking a short distance from the store but then saw him disappear into a wooded area after spotting the officer.

Alamance County deputies were called in to assist in the search for Hayes, and later found him passed out inside an enclosed porch. Deputies said a woman had flagged them down to report that a man had broken into her porch.

Hayes had no pulse when deputies arrived and was taken to Alamance Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

A cause of death has not been determined. An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday.

North Carolina SBI agents were called in to assist in the investigation.