Indiana State Police trooper dies after being struck by suspect in pursuit on interstate

An Indiana State Police trooper died after he was struck by a suspect who police were pursuing on an interstate.

Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Brian Walker said during a Friday night press conference that Master Trooper James Bailey, 50, was hit by the suspect’s car at around 4:30 p.m. on Interstate 69, just south of Auburn, Indiana.

Walker said that Bailey was assisting other troopers with traffic from weather-related crashes when he became aware of a police pursuit coming his direction, adding that he attempted to de-escalate the pursuit by putting stop sticks down.

While he put the stop sticks down, Bailey was struck by the suspect vehicle and critically injured.

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Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Brian Walker said during a Friday night press conference that Master Trooper James Bailey, 50, was hit by the suspect’s car at around 4:30 p.m. on Interstate 69, just south of Auburn, Indiana. (Indiana State Police)

He was taken to a local hospital but later died as a result of his injuries. Bailey leaves behind his wife and two children.

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Officials say that Bailey is a 15-and-a-half year veteran of the Indiana State Police.

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The driver of the car, Terry Sands II, was taken into custody and is initially being charged with resisting law enforcement causing the death of a law enforcement officer, which is a level 2 felony.

“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 Carter said.