Search for suspect unsuccessful; Police think they have his identity

Ferdinand — Police are still searching for a man who fled a Ferdinand Police Officer in a stolen vehicle earlier today. But they believe he has either found a hiding spot to wait for someone to pick him up or has already been picked up.

Regardless, Ferdinand Chief Kerri Blessinger noted they think they have his identity and are waiting on the investigation results before releasing that information.

The incident began Tuesday morning after the Ferdinand Police Department and Dubois County Sheriff’s Office were notified of the stolen vehicle from Knox County, Kentucky, potentially being in the town.

An officer subsequently located the driver and vehicle in a hotel parking lot on Industrial Drive at about 9:40 a.m. He attempted to conduct a stop, but the driver fled in the vehicle.

During the ensuing pursuit, the suspect struck a Ferdinand officer’s police vehicle and later crashed in a culvert near Third and Missouri Streets. The suspect then fled on foot.

Police resorted to K-9s, and drones were launched to attempt to locate the suspect, identified as a male in his mid-30s wearing a red t-shirt and black shorts. It is unknown if the subject is armed and dangerous.

According to Ferdinand Police Chief Kerri Blessinger, the dogs were able to follow his track to the outskirts of town. The drones were used to search from above to see if he had hidden in tall grass or behind other obstructions in the open.

Despite their combined efforts, the man was not found

Chief Blessinger believes he has left the area.

“I think he probably has called someone to pick him up,” she said, adding that if anyone sees anything suspicious, to contact 911.

“We had three drones in the air within 30 minutes,” she said. “I feel like we have tracked as far as we can for now.”

She also reminded residents to take the proper precautions.

“Keep your doors and windows locked. Make sure your vehicles are secured, and don’t leave your keys in them,” she said. “And, If someone’s wandering in your backyard or you see something odd, report it to 911, and we will check it out.”

Police also located two pitbull puppies in the stolen vehicle. The pair will be kept at the department for five days before being rehomed. “Or if someone steps up to claim them,” Blessinger said.

Now, police are in the process of securing a search warrant for the vehicle to complete the investigation and confirm the suspect’s identity.

During the event, police had the schools on a soft lockdown as a precaution. That has been lifted, according to the chief.

Chief Blessinger was complimentary of the cooperation between all the departments involved, which included the Sheriff’s Office, Jasper Police Department, Huntingburg Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Fire Marshal’s Office.

“It was a very good feeling to see such a collaborative effort come together so quickly,” she said.