Carjacking linked to abduction

RENSSELAER, Ind. (WLFI) - An attempted carjacking took place off I-65 in the vicinity of Rensselaer on the morning of Feb. 27, and police have announced that they have a likely suspect.

Mishawaka Police said Michael Loyd Lindsey, 48, of South Bend, is the likely suspect in not only in the attempted carjacking, but also the Feb. 24 abduction cases.

Police had been looking for Lindsey since two attempted abductions and a kidnapping in Mishawaka on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The kidnapping ended Tuesday evening when the 19-year-old female victim was released near Wolcott, in White County. Her empty car was found nearby. K-9 units were able to track a person’s scent from the vehicle to a Pilot Gas Station on I-65, where they lost the scent.

Jasper County Sheriff Orville Perry said that they received a call notifying them of the attempted carjacking around 9:00 a.m. A man tried to force himself into a woman’s car at a McDonald’s restaurant on I-65 at State Road 114. The woman resisted and the man fled the scene on foot.

Based on store surveillance tapes, police said the car-jacking suspect was wearing a blue, hooded, winter coat and a blue stocking cap.

Police believe Lindsey crossed Interstate 65 and is now on the west side of the highway. They’re using a helicopter provided by Lake County police to search the area. Police agencies from numerous counties and State Police are searching businesses and empty buildings. On the advice of police, some businesses in the area of I-65 and State Road 114 have locked their doors.

Lindsey is a convicted sex offender. According to the Indiana Sex Offender Registry's website, he was convicted on two counts of rape and one of child molestation.

Jasper County Sheriff's Detective Pat Williamson said that Lindsey should be considered dangerous. To report anything suspicious, contact the Jasper County Sheriff's Department at 219-866-7344.