Rensselaer, IN – Authorities in Jasper County are actively searching for Tanya Marie Stephens, 39, in connection with an alleged strong-armed robbery and hit-and-run crash that occurred on Thursday night. The incident took place around 10 p.m. at a business located at State Rd. 10 and State Rd. 49, where Stephens allegedly met with the victim to discuss an item listed on Facebook Marketplace.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the encounter escalated into a reported violent altercation, during which Stephens allegedly assaulted the victim before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. A subsequent hit-and-run crash further complicates the case as authorities continue to search for Stephens, who is known to frequent the Wheatfield and DeMotte areas.
While the vehicle used in the crime has been located, authorities have not released a current description of the vehicle she might be using now. The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information on Stephens’ whereabouts to submit tips via their official app or by contacting them directly at (219) 866-7334.
