Loud clanging/knocking then dead

[00 Agent]

Lately when I've been starting the car it's sounded like the starter was grinding. I just assumed it was going out. Well yesterday when I got in the car and started it up it was making a loud knocking/clanging noise. It sounded like it was about to break but I had to drive it and it drove just like normal except for the noise. About 8 blocks from home it died and won't turn over. Could it be the starter or is it something more serious (flywheel, crank, etc.)?

 

[Defiant]

Timing belt.

 

[00 Agent]

My timing belt only has about 3 or 4k miles on it, but I guess that could still be the problem. I'm going to tear into it tonight and find out. Haven't had a chance to look at anything yet.

 

[00 Agent]

Pulled the valve cover and the head looks great. T-belt is good. So I guess it's in the bottom end.