Person Of Interest In Tahlequah Murder Ditches Car, Toddler In Woods

Authorities continue their search for a man they say is a person of interest in the murder of Northeastern State University professor Tiffany Maher in May. Police say he led them on a chase through Tulsa Thursday, but he got away.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has named Joshua Schneider, 33, as a person of interest in Maher's death.

After OSBI and Tulsa Police tried to pull over Joshua Schneider's car in midtown Tulsa Thursday, officers say he sped off, hitting several cars.

Tulsa Police said Schneider was going too fast for officers to follow safely.

Later, sources say Schneider ditched his damaged car, and his 2-year-old daughter along with it, in a wooded area near Pine and Garnett.

Two hours later, a woman with Schneider called police, telling about the little girl left behind.   

With the help of Tulsa Police's helicopter and K9 units, officers found the toddler crying still inside the car.

OSBI has been on the lookout for Schneider since investigators called him a person of interest in Maher's murder.

The NSU professor was found murdered inside her Tahlequah home on May 31.

6/4/2013 Related Story: OSBI Identifies NSU Professor Found Murdered In Tahlequah Home

Her missing car was found a few days later at a Tulsa apartment complex after a News On 6 viewer saw our story and called police.

According to the Department of Corrections, Schneider has a history of stealing cars and served over 10 years for second degree rape, among other charges.

His court record dates back to the late '90s.

Tulsa Police say Schneider is also wanted for not registering as a sex offender and having stolen property.

The OSBI says Schneider is a transient.  His last known address is in Broken Arrow, but a recent warrant listed a Tulsa Motel 6 as his address.

Investigators haven't revealed why Schneider is now a person of interest in the murder, nor have they released the cause of Maher's death.

If you know where he is call 911 or the OSBI hotline at 1-800-522-8017.