Columbus, IN —The Columbus Police Department (CPD) detectives have named the suspect as well as the woman who was stabbed during an attack in the parking lot at a Columbus park on Friday morning.
Friday, CPD officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the parking lot at the Hamilton Center Ice Arena. When the officers arrived, they observed a man, later identified as Ryan T. Halligan, 29, of Columbus, who was bent over a female that was laying on the ground in the parking lot. Halligan fled the area on foot after seeing officers arrive in the park.
The law enforcement officers provided medical care to the injured woman, who was identified as Emaly “Emma” Baxter, 34, of Columbus, who was stabbed during the attack. The officers were advised that Halligan reportedly approached Baxter in the parking lot as she arrived for work as an ice skating instructor at Hamilton Center. Baxter got in her vehicle and attempted to drive away from Halligan, however, he reportedly crashed a stolen vehicle into Baxter’s car and later assaulted her according to reports. Officers determined that Baxter and Halligan did not know each other. Baxter was flown by IU Lifeline to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for medical treatment.
Halligan was located hiding outside of a residence near the park and was taken into custody by CPD patrol officers. He was later transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. He remains hospitalized and in law enforcement custody as CPD detectives continue their investigation and the case is presented to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration of formal charges.
