Indiana State Police trooper struck by vehicle during pursuit dies

[Cameramonkey]

Stand them in the middle of 70 at rush hour (wearing concrete shoes).

why do you hate innocent peoples's cars?
If you want to take that course, nail their feet to a railroad tie. That locomotive wont even have a scratch on the paint.

 

[printcraft]

why do you hate innocent peoples's cars?
If you want to take that course, nail their feet to a railroad tie. That locomotive wont even have a scratch on the paint.

People with push bumpers get first crack...

 

[actaeon277]

What about just breaking bones until the problem self-solves.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Agreed. But there just wasnt time/distance/cover for that. He died a hero putting himself out there.

Im just glad this happened outside Marion county. Those pricks would be out with a GPS monitor by now if they had made it to Indy.

Sometimes you do what you have to do. Maybe he saved someone's family from a head on collision, it's not just about the stolen car at that point.

Doesn't change best practices nor does it hurt to remind ourselves. Nothing about this is safe, best you can do is mitigate risk where you can.

 

[actaeon277]

Maybe he saved someone's family from a head on collision,

Maybe.
In fact, odds are he may have.

I still hope for ill things for the perpetrators

 

[bgcatty]

Condolences to the Trooper’s family. And may the wrath of hell be heaped upon the miscreant perp who killed the Trooper!

 

[MadMan66]

Sometimes you do what you have to do. Maybe he saved someone's family from a head on collision, it's not just about the stolen car at that point.

Doesn't change best practices nor does it hurt to remind ourselves. Nothing about this is safe, best you can do is mitigate risk where you can.

Agreed. We do every officer who dies in the line of duty a disservice if we don't learn and adapt tactics. I'm afraid they'll (IMPD) start saying we can't use sticks because it's too dangerous. But there will always be an inherent danger to this job, and if we eliminate the risk and danger, we wouldn't be doing anything.

No one asks for them to stop road construction after a worker is hit and killed. Adapt, and see what could have been changed that still allows the job to be done. But the danger will always be there.

I'm sure Trooper Smith did what he felt necessary at that moment. And hindsight is always 20/20. We've all done stuff unsafe and later realized we were lucky. He had only moments to get into position, and probably did what he felt he had the chance to do.

 

[bwframe]

*UPDATE - Procession Information* Funeral Arrangements for Trooper Aaron Smith content.govdelivery.com *UPDATE - Procession Information* Funeral Arrangements for Trooper Aaron Smith​ Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 07/05/2023 06:28 PM EDT Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.​ INDIANA STATE POLICE INDIANAPOLIS DISTRICT 8620 E. 21st Street Indianapolis, IN 46219 www.in.gov/isp FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt​ CONTACT: Sgt. John Perrine Public Information Officer 317-899-8287 DATE: July 5, 2023​ Greenwood, IN - Friday July 7, 2023, Trooper Aaron Smith will be laid to rest with full honors during a ceremony beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Greenwood and concluding at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. The public is encouraged to line the procession route to honor Trooper Smith's sacrifice and support his family, friends and co-workers. The ceremonial tradition of passing under a Garrison Flag will occur near Whiteland High School on U.S. 31 just north of Whiteland Road. The public can park in the southwest parking lot of the high school and walk to a safe area along U.S. 31. The coach carrying the remains of Trooper Smith will pause under the flag at which time a radio call marking Trooper Smith off duty for the final time will occur. The estimated time for the procession to begin is 1:00 p.m. There are opportunities to view the procession near downtown Indianapolis as it passes through on West Street to New York Street, then north on Illinois. The public is asked to find a safe parking spot and do not block lanes of travel. Please do not stand in the roadway. Start at Emmanuel Church of Greenwood, 1640 West Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN Exit church lot and turn west on to West Stones Crossing Road to S.R. 135. South on S.R. 135 to Whiteland Road. East on Whiteland Road to U.S 31 North on U.S. 31 where we will go by Whiteland High School and pass under the Garrison Flag. We will continue north into Greenwood then make a small right on to S. Madison Ave. North on S Madison Ave to roundabout, first exit east, Smith Valley Rd. Continue east on Smith Valley Road where we will pass by the neighborhood where Trooper Smith grew up. East on Smith Valley Rd and as you make the curve to left it turns into north bound S Emerson Ave. Continue north on S Emerson Ave where we will pass by Greenwood Airport to the left, to Stop 11 Rd. West on to Stop 11 Road which turns into E Meridian School Rd at East St. Continue west to S.R. 135. North on S.R 135 to Hanna Ave West on Hanna Ave to Bluff Rd North on Bluff Road to where it turns into West St. Continue north on West St passing IFD Station 13 at West St and Ohio St. Continue north on West St to New York St. East on New York St to Illinois St. North on Illinois St to 34th West on 34th St to entrance to Crown Hill Cemetery. *Note: The ramps from I-65 to Main Street and I-65 to County Line Road will be closed during the procession. The ramp from I-70 to West Street in Indianapolis will also be closed during the procession. Indianapolis, IN - Family members, friends, community members, Indiana State Troopers as well as police officers and other first responders from across the state and country will gather to memorialize and celebrate the life of Trooper Aaron Smith, Friday July 7, 2023. Trooper Smith will receive police and military honors as he served both as an Indiana State Trooper and a Sergeant in the Indiana National Guard. Following the Funeral, a police procession will escort Trooper Smith to Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. The procession route will be announced at a later date and community members will be encouraged to line the procession route to honor the service and sacrifice of Trooper Smith. Visitation: Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus, 1640 West Stones Crossing Road Greenwood, IN 46143 Funeral: Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus, 1640 West Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN 46143 Burial: Friday, July 7, 2023 following the procession Crown Hill Cemetery - Heroes of Public Safety Area 700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208 The following obituary was provided by Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center: Indiana State Trooper Aaron N. Smith, 33, of Franklin, IN, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Plainfield, IN, following a life of dedication and service to his family, friends, community, state, and country. Aaron was born January 9, 1990, in Franklin, IN. He was a 2008 graduate of Whiteland Community High School where he wrestled and played football. Aaron held a private pilot’s license and studied aviation management, graduating from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN, in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a graduate of the 78th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy and was a member of the Indiana State Police Alliance. Aaron served the community as an Indiana State Police Trooper for nearly five years and was part of the State Police Crash Reconstruction Team. He had recently been awarded two Lifesaving Awards for his heroism. He also proudly served in the Indiana National Guard since 2011 where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He currently served as a Utilities Equipment Repairer for the 38th Infantry Division, 38th Sustainment Brigade, 190th Transportation Battalion, 1638th Transportation Company. Aaron had earned the following military awards: Army Achievement Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Non- Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon (2nd award), Army Service Ribbon. He was a member of Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus where he and his wife Megan served in the children’s ministry. He and Megan were also an active part of the CGX CrossFit community in Bargersville, IN. Aaron also enjoyed smoking a good brisket, flying drones, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. Aaron married Megan L. (Bunting) Smith on July 30, 2016, in Morgantown, IN. She survives along with their fur babies, Paisley Grace and Oakley Rose. Also surviving are his mother Patricia Ann (Para) Denny of Bargersville, IN; his father Garry W. Smith (Cynthia Marlin Smith) of Franklin, IN; brothers Jeromey M. Para of Greenwood, IN, Frank Catanzarite (Amber) of White Pigeon, MI; and Chad M. King (Taylor Jarboe) of Shelbyville, IN; a sister Hope E. Smith of Franklin, IN; maternal grandparents Gene and Carolyn S. (Wilhite) Marlin of Greenwood, IN; father-in-law and mother-in-law Douglas and Lynn J. (Schjenken) Bunting of Redwood Falls, MN; sisters-in-law Ashley L. Bunting (Alec Brandrup) of Rochester, MN; and Nicole L. Bunting of Castleton, ND; and grandmother-in-law Delores Bunting of Redwood Falls, MN. Aaron is also survived by several loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Robert R. and Evelyn (Velich) Smith and maternal grandfather Sylvester Para and maternal grandmother Bonnie (Murphy) Blodgett, and maternal grandmother-in-law Fern Schjenken. Pastor Cody Johnson will conduct a service on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 11AM at Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus, 1640 West Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN 46143. Services will be broadcasted live on all Indianapolis television media networks and live-streamed on their networks. Friends may call Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 2PM until 8PM at Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus. Burial with honors will follow the service at Crown Hill Cemetery in the Heroes of Public Safety section. Memorial contributions to support the family can be made at any Indiana Members Credit Union branch, mailed to the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation office, or made by credit card (credit card link is via PayPal), or Venmo on the Foundation’s website. Checks should be made payable to Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation, Inc. (memo Trooper Aaron Smith). Please visit www.indianafallen.org Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

 

[Frank_N_Stein]

​ ​ *UPDATE - Procession Information* Funeral Arrangements for Trooper Aaron Smith content.govdelivery.com *UPDATE - Procession Information* Funeral Arrangements for Trooper Aaron Smith​ Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 07/05/2023 06:28 PM EDT ​ ​ ​ ​ Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.​ ​ ​ ​ INDIANA STATE POLICE INDIANAPOLIS DISTRICT 8620 E. 21st Street Indianapolis, IN 46219 www.in.gov/isp FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt​ ​ CONTACT: Sgt. John Perrine Public Information Officer 317-899-8287 DATE: July 5, 2023​ ​ ​ Greenwood, IN - Friday July 7, 2023, Trooper Aaron Smith will be laid to rest with full honors during a ceremony beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Greenwood and concluding at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. The public is encouraged to line the procession route to honor Trooper Smith's sacrifice and support his family, friends and co-workers. The ceremonial tradition of passing under a Garrison Flag will occur near Whiteland High School on U.S. 31 just north of Whiteland Road. The public can park in the southwest parking lot of the high school and walk to a safe area along U.S. 31. The coach carrying the remains of Trooper Smith will pause under the flag at which time a radio call marking Trooper Smith off duty for the final time will occur. The estimated time for the procession to begin is 1:00 p.m. There are opportunities to view the procession near downtown Indianapolis as it passes through on West Street to New York Street, then north on Illinois. The public is asked to find a safe parking spot and do not block lanes of travel. Please do not stand in the roadway. Start at Emmanuel Church of Greenwood, 1640 West Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN Exit church lot and turn west on to West Stones Crossing Road to S.R. 135. South on S.R. 135 to Whiteland Road. East on Whiteland Road to U.S 31 North on U.S. 31 where we will go by Whiteland High School and pass under the Garrison Flag. We will continue north into Greenwood then make a small right on to S. Madison Ave. North on S Madison Ave to roundabout, first exit east, Smith Valley Rd. Continue east on Smith Valley Road where we will pass by the neighborhood where Trooper Smith grew up. East on Smith Valley Rd and as you make the curve to left it turns into north bound S Emerson Ave. Continue north on S Emerson Ave where we will pass by Greenwood Airport to the left, to Stop 11 Rd. West on to Stop 11 Road which turns into E Meridian School Rd at East St. Continue west to S.R. 135. North on S.R 135 to Hanna Ave West on Hanna Ave to Bluff Rd North on Bluff Road to where it turns into West St. Continue north on West St passing IFD Station 13 at West St and Ohio St. Continue north on West St to New York St. East on New York St to Illinois St. North on Illinois St to 34th West on 34th St to entrance to Crown Hill Cemetery. *Note: The ramps from I-65 to Main Street and I-65 to County Line Road will be closed during the procession. The ramp from I-70 to West Street in Indianapolis will also be closed during the procession. ​ Indianapolis, IN - Family members, friends, community members, Indiana State Troopers as well as police officers and other first responders from across the state and country will gather to memorialize and celebrate the life of Trooper Aaron Smith, Friday July 7, 2023. Trooper Smith will receive police and military honors as he served both as an Indiana State Trooper and a Sergeant in the Indiana National Guard. Following the Funeral, a police procession will escort Trooper Smith to Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. The procession route will be announced at a later date and community members will be encouraged to line the procession route to honor the service and sacrifice of Trooper Smith. Visitation: Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus, 1640 West Stones Crossing Road Greenwood, IN 46143 Funeral: Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus, 1640 West Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN 46143 Burial: Friday, July 7, 2023 following the procession Crown Hill Cemetery - Heroes of Public Safety Area 700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208 The following obituary was provided by Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center: ​ Indiana State Trooper Aaron N. Smith, 33, of Franklin, IN, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Plainfield, IN, following a life of dedication and service to his family, friends, community, state, and country. Aaron was born January 9, 1990, in Franklin, IN. He was a 2008 graduate of Whiteland Community High School where he wrestled and played football. Aaron held a private pilot’s license and studied aviation management, graduating from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN, in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a graduate of the 78th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy and was a member of the Indiana State Police Alliance. Aaron served the community as an Indiana State Police Trooper for nearly five years and was part of the State Police Crash Reconstruction Team. He had recently been awarded two Lifesaving Awards for his heroism. He also proudly served in the Indiana National Guard since 2011 where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He currently served as a Utilities Equipment Repairer for the 38th Infantry Division, 38th Sustainment Brigade, 190th Transportation Battalion, 1638th Transportation Company. Aaron had earned the following military awards: Army Achievement Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Non- Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon (2nd award), Army Service Ribbon. He was a member of Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus where he and his wife Megan served in the children’s ministry. He and Megan were also an active part of the CGX CrossFit community in Bargersville, IN. Aaron also enjoyed smoking a good brisket, flying drones, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. Aaron married Megan L. (Bunting) Smith on July 30, 2016, in Morgantown, IN. She survives along with their fur babies, Paisley Grace and Oakley Rose. Also surviving are his mother Patricia Ann (Para) Denny of Bargersville, IN; his father Garry W. Smith (Cynthia Marlin Smith) of Franklin, IN; brothers Jeromey M. Para of Greenwood, IN, Frank Catanzarite (Amber) of White Pigeon, MI; and Chad M. King (Taylor Jarboe) of Shelbyville, IN; a sister Hope E. Smith of Franklin, IN; maternal grandparents Gene and Carolyn S. (Wilhite) Marlin of Greenwood, IN; father-in-law and mother-in-law Douglas and Lynn J. (Schjenken) Bunting of Redwood Falls, MN; sisters-in-law Ashley L. Bunting (Alec Brandrup) of Rochester, MN; and Nicole L. Bunting of Castleton, ND; and grandmother-in-law Delores Bunting of Redwood Falls, MN. Aaron is also survived by several loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Robert R. and Evelyn (Velich) Smith and maternal grandfather Sylvester Para and maternal grandmother Bonnie (Murphy) Blodgett, and maternal grandmother-in-law Fern Schjenken. Pastor Cody Johnson will conduct a service on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 11AM at Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus, 1640 West Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN 46143. Services will be broadcasted live on all Indianapolis television media networks and live-streamed on their networks. Friends may call Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 2PM until 8PM at Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus. Burial with honors will follow the service at Crown Hill Cemetery in the Heroes of Public Safety section. Memorial contributions to support the family can be made at any Indiana Members Credit Union branch, mailed to the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation office, or made by credit card (credit card link is via PayPal), or Venmo on the Foundation’s website. Checks should be made payable to Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation, Inc. (memo Trooper Aaron Smith). Please visit www.indianafallen.org Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

In before the bitching about traffic flow being affected.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

In before the bitching about traffic flow being affected.

The procession came right past my street (Thompson and Meridian/135) today. I was going to Aldi this afternoon and saw a van parked by the entrance to Southern Plaza and people sitting on camp chairs in front of it. I thought that was kind of odd, but then a bit north of there I saw a couple of pickups parked with guys standing around and they had American flags, so that's when it clicked. When I got to Hanna Ave, there were several police cars there (that's where they turned west to go up Bluff/West St./Martin Luther King to get to Crown Hill.

By the time I was on my way back home, the procession had already passed by and I just caught the tail end of the northbound traffic on Meridian. Eastbound traffic was backed up on Thompson back to my driveway, so it must have just opened up. No complaints from me!

 

[Sigblitz]

I was watching the funeral on tv.

 

[littletommy]

I was watching the funeral on tv.

Now if we could just watch some public hangings.

 

[Frank_N_Stein]

I was watching the funeral on tv.

I didn't go to it or watch it on TV. I've been to too many funerals so I selfishly stayed home and mowed my yard.

 

[KellyinAvon]

I didn't go to it or watch it on TV. I've been to too many funerals so I selfishly stayed home and mowed my yard.

This **** is hard, and we have to deal with it how we deal with it. Afterwards we press on, because that is all we can do.

Not a real happy view of the world, but pretty realistic.

 

[Tanfodude]

This hurts. This better be the last tragedy for any LEO in deploying stop sticks in IN. When in doubt or uncertain, don't do it. I know, easier said than done. I'm tired of people losing their lives doing the right thing and people doing the wrong thing get to live.

 

[KellyinAvon]

Update: defendant doesn't want to go on trial here in the land of the 32 license plate.

The legal team alleges that Jones is not able to “receive a fair trial in Hendricks County,” for the following reasons:
Public hostility against Defendant; (something about killing a State Trooper)

• Public outrage over the alleged offenses; (there was video)
• Prejudicial reporting or editorializing from both news and social media outlets that castigates Defendant; (see above comments)
• Speculative opinions as to the personality and character of Defendant; (Again, video)
• Disclosures of inadmissible evidence; and/or
• The existence and contents of recorded interviews of Defendant and others involved in the incident. (I dunno, but I've seen the video)

Suspect in ISP Trooper Aaron Smith’s death requests change of venue

HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. — A man accused of murdering an Indiana State Police trooper during a police chase asks that the criminal case be moved out of Hendricks County. The change of venue spe…

fox59.com

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Update: defendant doesn't want to go on trial here in the land of the 32 license plate.

The legal team alleges that Jones is not able to “receive a fair trial in Hendricks County,” for the following reasons:
Public hostility against Defendant; (something about killing a State Trooper)

• Public outrage over the alleged offenses; (there was video)
• Prejudicial reporting or editorializing from both news and social media outlets that castigates Defendant; (see above comments)
• Speculative opinions as to the personality and character of Defendant; (Again, video)
• Disclosures of inadmissible evidence; and/or
• The existence and contents of recorded interviews of Defendant and others involved in the incident. (I dunno, but I've seen the video)

Suspect in ISP Trooper Aaron Smith’s death requests change of venue

HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. — A man accused of murdering an Indiana State Police trooper during a police chase asks that the criminal case be moved out of Hendricks County. The change of venue spe…

fox59.com

It's on video. As I said about Deputy Durm's killer, "Go to the gallows. Do not pass go, do not collect $200."

 

[d.kaufman]

View attachment 288008

It's on video. As I said about Deputy Durm's killer, "Go to the gallows. Do not pass go, do not collect $200."

Yup. No need for any waste of taxpayer money contributing to this pos breathing any longer than need be

 

[jwamplerusa]

View attachment 288008

It's on video. As I said about Deputy Durm's killer, "Go to the gallows. Do not pass go, do not collect $200."

I have a length of 1 inch rope I'll donate. I'm pretty sure I can still tie a noose.


None of the judicial proceedings should take more than a day. I've seen as much of the video as I care to stomach.

 

[KellyinAvon]

I have a length of 1 inch rope I'll donate. I'm pretty sure I can still tie a noose.


None of the judicial proceedings should take more than a day. I've seen as much of the video as I care to stomach.

I got the feeling I won't be on the jury.