State Trooper Shot During Traffic Stop on I-94

HAMMOND, IN – UPDATE (11:26 p.m. on May 26): Detectives continued to gather information and evidence related to the investigation. The female passenger has been released pending further investigation. More details will be released in the days ahead.

UPDATE (6:15 p.m. on May 26): The Trooper underwent successful surgery at the University of Chicago Hospital and has since been released. He is now at home recovering. His name is not being released at this time.

ORIGINAL (10:02 on May 26): One Indiana State Police (ISP) Trooper was shot following a traffic stop for a traffic violation on I-94 Eastbound on Tuesday morning, May 26.

During the pullover, the trooper requested immediate assistance after encountering two non-compliant occupants inside the vehicle. The trooper advised the dispatcher that he was holding the suspects at gunpoint while waiting for backup to arrive. An officer from the Hammond Police Department and two officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department were the first to arrive on scene.

As officers approached the suspect vehicle, the driver allegedly produced a handgun, and an exchange of gunfire occurred between the suspect and responding officers.

The driver was struck and was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun used by the suspect was recovered. The ISP Trooper sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. An officer with the Hammond Police Department transported the trooper to Munster Community Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. No other officers were injured. 

A 34-year-old female passenger from the vehicle was taken into custody and taken to the Lake County Jail on a 48-hour Probable Cause Hold. Investigators have 48 hours to submit charges, or the individual must be released.   

Further details will be released as they become available and as investigators continue to gather facts surrounding the incident.   

The Lake County Coroner has identified the deceased as Aaron Barnes, 34, from Gary, Indiana.