Posted on 07/26/2006 4:17:08 AM PDT by Samwise
Wednesday morning, a 17-year-old accused of the interstate shootings is in jail. Zachariah Blanton is accused of killing one man and wounding another in the Sunday morning shootings.
It's been a quick turn of events. Early Sunday morning, four separate shootings took place on I-65 and I-69 in Indiana. Tuesday evening, State Police announced they had arrested a suspect, and now that suspect is scheduled to appear in court in Jackson County at 11:00 a.m.
Blanton has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and criminal recklessness.
Police believe he was the only shooter, but they have not given a motive for the shootings. They say he has been in trouble for sex and theft crimes in the past.
Governor Mitch Daniels commended law enforcement for this quick arrest.
"Indiana has now been spared through the combined efforts of these outstanding professionals the sort of fear, uncertainty and disruption that has befallen other jurisdictions elsewhere," said Daniels.
Bullet fragments from the shooting scene indicate a Remington 710 rifle was the murder weapon, and that's what officers found when they searched Blanton's home.
Blanton is from the small town of Gaston, Indiana just northwest of Muncie. 24-Hour News 8 visited Blanton's home Tuesday and spoke with those who knew him.
While family members say Blanton is not capable of committing these crimes, his schoolmates describe him as a troubled teen.
"He's always been pretty crazy," said schoolmate Joe Snyder. "He's a nut. He always has been. He's got in trouble a lot, a troublemaker. He's gotten into all kinds of trouble for being mean to people."
"Not exactly a wonderful person but not a terrible person either," added schoolmate Tara Jones. "He made mistakes, just like everyone else, but I didn't think he would do something like this."
Blanton's neighbors expressed concern for the teen's family, saying they are nice people who they've always gotten along with.
"We've talked with them, very nice," said neighbor Linda Antrim. "You can't ask for better neighbors, really."
Meanwhile, neighbors in Seymour are breathing a sign of relief after hearing police made an arrest.
Donna Duttlinger lives just yards from the overpass where police say Blanton shot and killed one man and injured another. Duttlinger says ever since the shootings, she didn't feel safe in her own house.
"Just knowing that I was sleeping with my child and got a weirdo on the bridge, that's scary," she said.
Since the weekend shootings, some motorists driving up and down Indiana's interstates have felt a sense of fear. Travelers worried about their safety. Those feelings have disappeared with the announcement of Blanton's arrest.
24-Hour News 8 will have complete coverage of Blanton's court appearance today on News 8 at Noon and right here on WISHTV.com.
He looks like the kid who did the dance video. Of course, who hasn't done a dance video?
Wow! If this is indeed the perp, sounds like great detective work.
A better...Ping!
They got a tip from an aquaintance.
Has anyone ever been arrested where some neighbor or family member doesnt say"I cant believe he is capable of this?" I have a kid up the street from me who is capable of anything. When something bad happens my thoughts always go directly to him. One day he will get his, I just hope he isnt robbing my garage when it happens.
TIps are good
Thanks for posting. BTTT.
I think the video game folks will be coming out with a "Turnpike Shooter" game one of these days, if they haven't already.
"How many unsuspecting tourists, vacationers, and just plain folks can you kill before the police gun you down? Pick you choice of weapon, your favorite highway, and let the fun begin! Play 'Turnpike Shooter' today! Available at all stores!"
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060726/NEWS01/607260436
This is a link to another article from a source that we can't post.
Yep. I've read Charles Whitman was addicted to this game when he murdered 15 people from a tower at the University of Texas in 1966.
Seriously though, it sounds like few were surprised at Blanton's decent into homicide.
He's just a shy kid who likes to weld. ***rolss eyes**
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060726/NEWS01/607260437
***rolls eyes and can't type***
An old one from the archives:
'Beltway Sniper' Video-Game Release Delayed Out Of Respect For Victims
Sam - thanks for posting the update - thank God, great police work, and whoever the tipster was, that this nutjob was captured so quick!
Here's the dance video kid. The sniper looks too skinny.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6377855743675143177
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