(Hendricks County, IN) – Indiana State Police is mourning the loss of one of its own as a result of a vehicle crash incident that occurred Wednesday evening on Ronald Reagan Parkway, north of I-70.
The crash claimed the life of 33-year-old Trooper Aaron N. Smith of Franklin, who served with ISP for nearly five years.
The preliminary investigation by Indiana State Police indicates that at approximately 8:40 pm, Trooper Smith was assisting other troopers on Ronald Reagan Parkway with a pursuit of a stolen vehicle.
ISP says Smith attempted to de-escalate that vehicle pursuit by deploying stop sticks and was struck by the suspect vehicle and critically injured.
Emergency medical care was rendered at the scene, and he was rushed to Eskenazi Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
“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 Smith’s family, friends, and co-workers,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter.
The suspect driver involved in this incident, along with an adult and juvenile passenger were all transported to Indianapolis hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
This is still an ongoing investigation.
All findings will be turned over to the Hendricks County Prosecutor for review and determination of any further charges that may be filed.
ISP was assisted at the scene by the Plainfield Police Department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Plainfield Fire Department, and Troopers from the neighboring Indiana State Police Putnamville Post.
The agency says no additional information is available for release at this time.
