Ind. State Police Trooper Killed Trying to Stop Stolen Vehicle

An Indiana State Police trooper was killed while helping with the chase of a stolen vehicle Wednesday.

Trooper Aaron Smith was part of the response trying to stop a fleeing vehicle on the southwest side of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Star reports. He was deploying stop sticks along Ronald Reagan Parkway when he was struck by the vehicle and thrown through the air.

Smith was rushed to the hospital, where he died. Multiple people were in fleeing vehicle that struck Smith, and they were taken to the hospital with injuries that weren't considered life-threatening.

Smith had served with the Indiana State Police for roughly five years. He is survived by his wife.

"He was one of those guys that stood out. … He was a shining star for the state police," said State Police Superintendent Doug Carter.

This is the second line-of-duty death this year for the Indiana State Police. In March, Master Trooper James Bailey was fatally struck while helping during a fleeing vehicle chase in Fort Wayne. 

"I'm sorry, as you know I'm normally not without words but I don't know what to say except the sadness continues to follow us," said Carter.