WEST JEFFERSON – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted by the Maryland State Police on a felony warrant for bank robbery out of Maryland. Troopers said Travis S. McNeal is wanted on a felony warrant from a bank robbery in North East, MD on September 21, 2006.

At approximately 12:55 p.m. today, state troopers were attempting to stop a 1993 Honda Civic being driven by McNeal for suspected drug violations on U.S. Route 42, south of Middlepike. The vehicle fled from state troopers northbound on U.S. 42. After fleeing approximately five minutes, McNeal lost control of the vehicle he was driving and crashed into an Ohio State Highway Patrol cruiser.

While two passengers in the Honda were being taken into custody, McNeal fled on foot into an adjacent cornfield. Through the investigation, state troopers believe the man who fled on foot is Travis S. McNeal. He was identified by the other suspects who were taken into custody. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding Mr. McNeal should contact the West Jefferson Patrol Post at (614) 879-7626.

During the crash investigation, the vehicle McNeal was driving was later determined to be stolen. The trooper involved in the crash was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Both passengers were transported to Grant Hospital also with non-life-threatening injuries.

# # #

06-181