Officials: Trooper struck, killed in line of duty by car in Indiana; suspect in custody

DEKALB COUNTY, Ind. — A trooper was struck and killed in a crash on Interstate 69 just south of Auburn, Indiana. Officials say he was helping other troopers traffic backup from weather-related car crashes.

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In a news release, Indiana State Police confirm that Friday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. Master Trooper James R. Bailey, 50, was killed in a crash. Bailey was in the area helping other troopers with traffic backup on Interstate 69 near the 326-mile marker.

“This is a tremendously sad day for the entire Indiana State Police family. We will band together as we always do in support of Trooper Bailey’s family, friends, and co-workers”, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter said in the news release.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement obtained by WANE sharing prayers for his family and the Indiana State Police.

His legacy will live on, and his memory will never be forgotten. Janet and I send the family our condolences for the loved ones of Master Trooper Bailey,” Holcomb said, according to WANE.

The news outlet reported that Bailey had learned that a person was driving at a high speed, evading a police officer from the Fort Wayne Police Department, and that the person was approaching his area. Bailey tried to help de-escalate the vehicle pursuit by putting out stop sticks and then was hit by the suspect car. He was injured critically and was rushed to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Terry Dewaine Sands II, 42, was arrested on a preliminary charge of resisting law enforcement causing death to law enforcement officer, WANE reported.

Bailey is survived by his wife, son, and daughter, according to Indiana State Police. Trooper Bailey had been a trooper for more than 15 years.

The investigation is ongoing.