HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. – UPDATE: Two people were arrested early this morning in connection with the incident yesterday evening which claimed the life of Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron N. Smith.
Eddie P. Jones, Jr., 18, of Sikeston, Missouri, who was driving the stolen 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has been preliminarily charged with Murder, a Level 1 Felony. The adult passenger, DeMareon L. Curry, 19 years of age from Sikeston, Missouri has been preliminarily charged with Auto Theft, a Level 5 Felony.
A 15-year-old female, who was listed as a missing person from Missouri will be turned over to authorities from that state later today. She is not being charged in connection with this incident.
As this investigation continues to move forward, the Hendricks County Prosecutor will make the final determination of these preliminary charges and will review the potential for additional criminal charges.
ORIGINIAL:
A trooper with the Indiana State Police (ISP) from Franklin was killed on Wednesday evening after he was struck by a suspect’s vehicle, according to law enforcement.
Trooper Aaron N. Smith, 33, died after being hit on Ronald Reagan Parkway, north of I-70. Smith had served ISP for nearly five years.
The preliminary investigation indicates that at around 8:40 p.m., Smith was assisting other troopers on Ronald Reagan Parkway who were in pursuit of a stolen vehicle.
The trooper attempted to de-escalate the chase by deploying stop sticks. The victim 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 succumbed to his injuries. Trooper Smith is survived by his wife.
“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.
