PINEVILLE, Ky. — Authorities were searching for a self-proclaimed member of a paramilitary group charged with damaging a sheriff's cruiser with an assault rifle early Monday.

        Stephen Anderson, 53, of Somerset, was being sought on a warrant for criminal attempt to kill a police officer. A former associate said Mr. Anderson may have been patrolling rural Kentucky for terrorists.

        Bell County Deputy Sheriff John Hoskins said Mr. Anderson “tried to saw a cruiser in half” with fire from the rifle after Deputy Scott Elder pulled him over to alert him to a broken taillight about 2 a.m. Deputy Hoskins said Mr. An derson fled in a camouflaged 1990 Chevrolet pickup truck after the shooting, which shattered the cruiser's windows and left 25 bullet holes. When Deputy Elder pursued in the damaged cruiser, Deputy Hoskins said Mr. Anderson made a U-turn and chased him, shooting at him again.

        When other officers arrived, Mr. Anderson fled toward Sam's Mountain about one mile north of Middlesboro. About 40 police officers were searching the mountain on Monday.

        Kentucky State Trooper Buddy Simpson said Mr. Anderson had identified himself as a member of the Kentucky State Militia, a paramilitary organization, and that he was on patrol.

        Patrick Perry, a spokesman for the Kentucky State Militia, said Mr. Anderson had been kicked out of the group in April because he operated a small radio station that often voiced anti-Jewish sentiments.

        “He was a member of the Kentucky State Militia for a very short time before he was quickly weeded out by our current law-abiding members,” Mr. Perry said.

        Mr. Perry said he was not surprised by the Bell County incident. He said Mr. Anderson may have been “worried about an invasion from Islamic terrorists.”

        “I kind of thought he was prone to do something like that,” Mr. Perry said. “He was sort of a lone wolf type.”

        Mr. Anderson's pickup truck was located about 6 a.m. Trooper Simpson said a pipe bomb was found inside it, as well as ammunition.

        Trooper Simpson said Mr. Anderson should be considered armed and dangerous.

        Deputy Hoskins said Mr. Anderson is described as an expert survivalist, who is thought to have several guns and two hand grenades with him.

        Residents should avoid Mr. Anderson at all costs, Deputy Hoskins said. He said authorities think he may be on his way back to his home in Somerset.

        Mr. Anderson is described as white, about 6 feet 2 inches tall and 235 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans and a black leather jacket.

Bioterror a threat at the doorstep
Anthrax scare wasn't funny to employer
Scare at Sharonville mail center
Scares scramble emergency squads
Muslims fight fear, anger with understanding
Airport security fix up in air
Airport tries to cope with parking problems
City fire chief seeking money for preparedness
Tall Stacks back in October 2003
Morgue trial jurors deliberate second day
Project aims to remove lead paint
Some schools would lose in budget plan
Commission considers loan fund
Fuller, Luken meet in only radio debate
Norwood's Foust to carry Olympic torch
Obituary: George Helwig was archery expert
State tax increases possible
Tenn. judge nominated for city-based 6th Circuit Court
Annexation attempt may hit a roadblock
Congrats
Good News: Workers give $129K for relief
Indictment in drug case
Local Digest
Traficant cites privilege in seeking evidence suppression
Victims' compensation overhauled
Foal deaths may cost horse industry $336M
Kentucky Digest
New jail may oust agencies
Politics blamed for fund loss
Kentucky quarter draws interest
Rifle barrage hits cruiser