Clay County, Brazil – Friday, April 19, 2019, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Indiana State Police Sergeant Jared Nicoson observed a tan Chevrolet Corvette westbound on Interstate 70 near the 23 mile marker that was traveling at a high rate of speed. Sergeant Nicoson activated his stationary radar and received a reading of 86 MPH in a 70 MPH zone. Sergeant Nicoson then pulled onto Interstate 70 in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The tan Corvette abruptly exited Interstate 70, turning north onto State Road 59 at a high rate of speed. The tan Corvette continued to commit several traffic violations as Sergeant Nicoson pursued the vehicle. Sergeant Nicoson eventually lost sight of the tan Corvette near State Road 59 and County Road 700 North. He then deactivated his emergency lights.
The tan Corvette was then observed again by Sergeant Nicoson, traveling at a high rate of speed, but heading southbound on State Road 59. Sergeant Nicoson activated his emergency lights attempting to stop the vehicle. The tan Corvette fled from Sergeant Nicoson, turning onto State Road 42, traveling west. The Corvette was able to evade Sergeant Nicoson, and he once again deactivated his emergency lights. The information of this pursuit was then relayed to local law enforcement agencies in the area. A few moments later, Vigo County Sheriff’s Deputy Kris Morris observed the tan Corvette in the area of State Road 42 and Tabortown Road in Vigo County. Deputy Morris attempted to stop the Corvette, but once again the vehicle’s driver refused, and continued into eastern Vigo County, evading the deputy. Shortly after Deputy Morris’ encounter with the tan Corvette, Clay County 911 Dispatch Center received a call from a citizen 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.
Around 6:30 p.m., Sergeant Nicoson pulled into a cemetery located in the area of Grotto Road west of County Road 500, which is near the Clay County and Vigo County line. Sergeant Nicoson observed fresh tire tracks in the cemetery grass. Pulling further into the cemetery, he observed the tan Corvette parked under some trees. Sergeant Nicoson immediately requested assistance at the location. The passenger, still located near the vehicle, was immediately taken into custody. The passenger stated that the driver had left the area, traveling eastbound on foot. Around 6:45 p.m., Deputy Jamie Switzer of the Clay County Sheriff’s Department located the male driver east of the cemetery and took him into custody. Both individuals were identified after being apprehended by the police.
The driver was identified as Wardell Jackson McClendon, 29, of Columbus, Georgia. A records check indicated that McClendon was wanted out of Georgia on numerous charges including, aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, and credit card fraud.
The female passenger was identified as Kdaijah Clifttela Lanier, 24, Phenix City, Alabama. A records check indicated that Lanier was wanted out of Alabama on check forgery.
Both subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Clay County Justice Center where they are currently being detained.
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.
Arrested:
Wardell Jackson McClendon, 29 of Columbus, GA
Resisting Law Enforcement w/Vehicle 35-44.1-3-1 Level 6 Felony
Reckless Driving 35-48-4-6 Class C Misdemeanor
Kdaijah Clifttela Lanier, 24, Phenix City, AL
Resisting Law Enforcement w/Vehicle 35-44.1-3-1 Level 6 Felony
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
