SEYMOUR -
A manhunt is underway for an Indianapolis man suspected of opening fire on an Indiana State Trooper overnight, then fleeing on foot.
The shooting happened during a traffic stop Monday night just west of I-65 on US 50 in Seymour. Police consider the suspect, identified as 35-year-old John Michael Fish, as armed and extremely dangerous.
As of 4:00 pm Tuesday, Fish was still at large. Police continue to search for him.
State Police say the trooper was attempting to pull the man over for a traffic violation that occurred on I-65 southbound around 7:30 p.m. Monday. The man exited the interstate and stopped at US 50 and Sandy Creek Drive.
Police say as soon as the suspect was pulled over, he opened fire on the trooper. The trooper returned fire. According to authorities, neither the trooper nor the suspect was hit. The trooper has not been identified.
State Police searched the area north of the US 50 exit of I-65, where Fish was last seen, including buildings where he may be hiding. They also checked along US 31 east of I-65, since a railroad runs under the interstate in the area Fish may have fled.
Fish's vehicle was removed from the scene along Sandy Creek Drive.
The Jackson County Sheriff's department, Seymour Police and local SWAT assisted in the search, which also employed K-9 units and aerial surveillance.
Residents are concerned that the suspect is still at large.
"I was worried this morning. I came out before the girls got to the office to make sure it was opened up and everything was clear in there. We was out last night, double-checking," said Kevin Arthur, Seymour resident.
"Someone that would take a shot at a cop like that, sounds like a criminal. Should be brought to justice," said Steve McQueen, Seymour resident.
John Michael Fish is 5 feet, 10 inches tall, around 150 pounds with short blond hair and blue eyes. Both of his ears are pierced. If you see him, call 911.
Police say Fish fled the scene on foot north into a wooded area. Fish's last known address is in the Indianapolis area and police believe he may be trying to get back to Indianapolis.
According to the Indiana Dept. of Corrections, Fish is on parole after convictions including armed robbery in Marion County in 2004, armed robbery and criminal confinement in Jackson County in 2004, and two burglary charges in Hancock County in 1995 and 1997.
Anyone with information about Fish's location is asked to call Indiana State Police at 317-899-8577.
