Full Notification

(Noble County, IN)-The Indiana State Police, along with numerous other police agencies from Noble and Whitley Counties, engaged in an approximately four hour search for a man who they allege battered a rural Albion woman and then later tried to run over a State Trooper with his vehicle.

At approximately 2:00 p.m., a Trooper observed a vehicle that fit the description of one said to be driven a suspect involved in battering a female in rural Albion. The Trooper, who was in an unmarked police car, requested additional assistance before attempting to stop the vehicle, which was southbound on State Road 109 near Big Lake.

The suspect turned west onto Lakeshore Drive before coming to a dead end on Circle Drive. As the Trooper exited his vehicle, the suspect turned the vehicle around and allegedly attempted to run him over. The Trooper, a 15 year veteran of the Department, discharged an unknown number of rounds from his duty pistol. He was not injured and it is believed that the suspect was not struck by the gunfire as he drove a short distance before exiting his car and fleeing towards a wooded area on foot. A perimeter was quickly set up and an Indiana State Police airplane was sent airborne to help in the subsequent search along with K-9 teams from the Indiana Conservation Officers, State Police and Ligonier Police Department.

The Big Lake Church of God Daycare and Preschool were immediately informed of the situation by responding Deputies and they instituted a "lock-down" of their facility. At approximately 4:15 p.m., the church was given permission to allow families to pick their children up.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., the search was called off. Police continue to ask the public to remain vigilant for any suspicious activity and/or people, and to report them immediately by calling 911.

Investigators are looking for a person of interest by the name of Anthony Michael McClellan, a white male, 23 years of age, 5'7" tall, 165 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He was said to have been wearing a green t-shirt, blue jeans, a white hat and black/white shoes. He is wanted on the following unrelated charges out of Noble County:
Possession of Methamphetamine, Theft (Receiving Stolen Property), Domestic Battery, Driving While Suspended, Motorcycle License Warrant and Operating Without Financial Responsibility.

Assisting with the search were the Noble County Sheriff Department, Whitley County Sheriff Department, Columbia City Police Department, Ligonier Police Department and the Indiana Conservation Officers.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law