Duo arrested in cemetery after fleeing police on I-70

By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

CLAY COUNTY- A man and woman were arrested after leading police on a multi-agency pursuit beginning in Vigo County yesterday afternoon and ending in Clay County cemetery a couple hours later.

Booked into the Clay County Justice Center around 7 p.m.:

Wardell Jackson McClendon, 29 of Columbus, Ga.
Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle- a Level 6 felony and reckless driving - a Class C misdemeanor.

Kdaijah Clifttela Lanier, 24, Phenix City, Ala.  She is charged with resisting law enforcement with a vehicle   - a Level 6 felony.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames explained that further investigation revealed the driver, McClendon, was also wanted out of Georgia on numerous charges, including aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, and credit card fraud. Lanier was also wanted out of Alabama on check forgery.

According to the report, the suspects were speeding westbound in a tan Chevrolet Corvette on Interstate 70 near the 23 mile marker around 4:15 p.m. They were clocked going nearly 90 miles per hout in a 70 MPH zone.  An ISP traffic stop was initiated.

The suspect vehicle fled,  exiting I- 70, turning north onto SR 59 at a high rate of speed -- committing several traffic violations in the pursuit, Ames said. The officer  in pursuit was unable to locate the vehcile for a brief time, as it proceeded near SR 59 and CR 700 N.  He then observed it again heading the opposite direction on SR 59 at a high rated of speed. 

​Another traffic stop was attempted. The suspects continued to flee, turning west onto SR 42.

Other local law enforcement agencies responded to assist ISP and the vehicle was spotted at SR 42 and Tabortown Road in Vigo County. The vehicle’s driver continued into eastern Vigo County, refusing to stop for a Vigo County Sheriff's deputy at that time.

The chase then continued back to the Clay County line after a resident called 911, reportedly stating that a tan Corvette had pulled into her driveway, drove through her yard and had parked behind her house. 

"The citizen stated that a passenger in a tan Corvette offered her money if she would help them hide from the police. Refusing to take the money, the citizen called 911 and directed the subjects away from her residence. The vehicle then left her premises," Ames said.   

Ultimately, the suspect vehicle was found at a cemetery located in the area of Grotto Road west of CR 500, near the Clay County and Vigo County line more than two hours later, around 6:30 p.m.

Ames said the Corvette was parked under some trees.  The woman was found near the vehicle and the man had fled on foot.  Around 6:45 p.m., he was found just east of the cemetery. 

Assisting Agencies:  Vigo County Sheriff's Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Vigo County Central Dispatch, Clay County Dispatch Center, and numerous State Police Officers.