Precautions taken in Newton County

NEWTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Many in Newton County are taking extra precautions after a prisoner escapes from police custody.

Employees at the Food King in Kentland work not far from where Anthony Fisher made his getaway.

"It's upsetting a little bit something like that can happen here," said Nicholas Cripe who works there.

Shoppers are also more aware as they move around the county. The trust many once had to keep doors unlocked and keys in the ignition has eroded. One man is double checking his locks instead.

"Make sure the doors are locked, keys out of the vehicle on a safe shelf inside the home," said Darrell Reed of Newton County.

A corrections officer was taking Anthony Fisher a half of block from the jail to the courthouse for a trial on charges of receiving stolen property. 

"There was a white Toyota and a white male driving that vehicle. He got out and displayed a handgun and basically told the jail commander that he wanted him to drop his radio and leave," said Newton County Detective Dustin Gary.

Fisher and the accomplice sped away. Later the car was found about three blocks away from the courthouse on an abandoned railroad track. Police determined the car was stolen from Indianapolis. A witness told an officer he then saw two men get into a red pick-up truck and leave.

Police said Fisher tried to escape before, but was unsuccessful. He was caught cutting bars on his jail cell window with a hacksaw blade about a month ago.

"We think it came in on a legal pad. Three blades were put in there and they glued it back together. It was labeled as if it was from an attorney. Normally we don't check those closely, but we have changed our policy," explained Gary.

The escape leaves many amazed a rural area would see such a feat. 

"That's America's Most Wanted type stuff," said Shawn Sears who saw the wanted poster when he pulled into Newton County to get gas.

Fisher's picture is posted all over town in gas stations and grocery stores, but many who live there think he's long gone from Newton County.

"If I were him, I'd be heading to Chicago and beyond," said Reed.

"I'd probably go to another state," said Cripe.

But the hope is Fisher will be found before any more crimes are committed.

Police said not to approach Anthony Fisher if you see him.  He is considered armed and dangerous.  He left wearing a blue jean jacket with Newton County across the back, a brown sweater, silver shirt, and silver striped tie with dress slacks and brown shoes.  If you have any information, call the Newton County Sheriff's Department at 219-474-5661