Trooper Aaron Smith being escorted from Eskenazi Hospital to the Marion County Coroner’s Office – Photo from video posted by the ISP on Twitter
Staff report
Indianapolis, Ind., – June 29, 2023
The Indiana State Police are in mourning following the death of Trooper Aaron N. Smith, 33, from Franklin, Indiana.
Smith was assisting fellow troopers with a pursuit of a stolen vehicle when he was fatally struck around 8:40 p.m. on Ronald Reagan Parkway, north of I-70.
In an effort to de-escalate the pursuit, Trooper Smith deployed stop sticks before being struck by the suspect vehicle, sustaining critical injuries. Emergency medical care was immediately provided at the scene, and he was promptly transported to Eskenazi Hospital. Despite the efforts to save his life, Trooper Smith succumbed to his injuries, according to a press release from the Indiana State Police.
Survived by his wife, Trooper Smith leaves behind family, friends, and colleagues. Superintendent Douglas G. Carter expressed his grief and extended support to Trooper Smith’s loved ones, saying, “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.”
The suspect driver involved in the incident, along with an adult and juvenile passenger, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Indianapolis hospitals for treatment. Their identities have not been released.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and all relevant findings will be handed over to the Hendricks County Prosecutor for review. The prosecutor’s office will determine if any further charges should be filed.
The Indiana State Police received assistance from several law enforcement agencies during the incident, including the Plainfield Police Department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Plainfield Fire Department, and troopers from the neighboring Indiana State Police Putnamville Post.
Trooper Aaron N. Smith – Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Police
