Jackson County: At approximately 7:30 p.m. this evening an Indiana State Trooper attempted a traffic stop on a pickup truck on U.S. 50 just east of I-65 for a traffic violation.  The violation occurred on I-65 southbound and the vehicle exited I-65 at U.S. 50 and pulled onto Sandy Creek Drive and stopped. After stopping the driver fired a shot at the trooper and the trooper returned fire.  The suspect then fled on foot north of the scene into a wooded area. No one was injured in the exchange of gunfire.  Indiana State Police, Seymour Police, and Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputies along with Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team members, K-9 teams, and Indiana State Police helicopter are currently searching the area.

The suspect has been identified as 35 year old John Michael Fish.  Fish is a male/white, 5-10, 156 pounds, with shortly cropped blonde hair and blue eyes.  He’s also described as having “gauged” ears.  His last known address is in the Indianapolis area.  He is to be considered armed and extremely dangerous.  Anyone who may have information on Fish is urged to contact the Indiana State Police Post at Versailles at 812-689-5000 or 800-566-6704 (in Indiana only) or their local law enforcement.  Callers can remain anonymous.

The name of the trooper involved in the shooting is not being released at this time.

Persons arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.