Trooper struck and killed in line of duty
March 8, 2023 at 8:59 p.m.
The Indiana State Police (ISP) is mourning the loss of one of its own as a result of a vehicle crash incident that occurred on Friday, March 3, on I-69 south of Auburn, claiming the life of Master Trooper James Bailey, 50, of Auburn.
The preliminary investigation by the Indiana State Police indicates that at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Trooper Bailey was assisting other troopers on I-69 with traffic backup due to weather-related vehicle crashes near the 326-mile marker south of Auburn. At that time, Trooper Bailey became aware of an individual driving at a high rate of speed, evading an officer from the Fort Wayne Police Department on I-69 approaching his location. Trooper Bailey attempted to de-escalate the vehicle pursuit by deploying stop sticks.
Unfortunately, Trooper Bailey was struck by the suspect's vehicle and critically injured. Emergency medical care was rendered at the scene, and Bailey was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Bailey served with the ISP for more than 15 years.
"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 Bailey's family, friends and co-workers," said Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter.
Trooper Bailey is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
“Our prayers are with Master Trooper James R. Bailey's family, fellow troopers, and all of Indiana State Police as we learn of his death in the line of service," Governor Holcomb said in a statement. "His legacy will live on, and his memory will never be forgotten. Janet and I send the family our condolences for the loved ones of Master Trooper Bailey.”
The suspect driving the vehicle striking Bailey was Terry Dewaine Sands II, 42, of Marion. Sands was taken into custody and incarcerated in the DeKalb County Jail on a preliminary charge of Resisting Law Enforcement, Causing Death to Law Enforcement Officer, a Level 2 Felony.
The investigation is ongoing, and all findings will be turned over to the DeKalb County Prosecutor for review and determination of any further charges that may be filed.
The Indiana State Police was assisted at the scene by the Fort Wayne Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff Department, Auburn Police Department, DeKalb County EMS, Auburn Fire Department and troopers from neighboring ISP Peru Post.
The Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation has established an official memorial fund to honor Bailey. Donations can be made at this weblink under the "Master Trooper James R. Bailey" section: https://indiana fallen.org/fallen-heroes.
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The Indiana State Police (ISP) is mourning the loss of one of its own as a result of a vehicle crash incident that occurred on Friday, March 3, on I-69 south of Auburn, claiming the life of Master Trooper James Bailey, 50, of Auburn.
The preliminary investigation by the Indiana State Police indicates that at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Trooper Bailey was assisting other troopers on I-69 with traffic backup due to weather-related vehicle crashes near the 326-mile marker south of Auburn. At that time, Trooper Bailey became aware of an individual driving at a high rate of speed, evading an officer from the Fort Wayne Police Department on I-69 approaching his location. Trooper Bailey attempted to de-escalate the vehicle pursuit by deploying stop sticks.
Unfortunately, Trooper Bailey was struck by the suspect's vehicle and critically injured. Emergency medical care was rendered at the scene, and Bailey was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Bailey served with the ISP for more than 15 years.
"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 Bailey's family, friends and co-workers," said Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter.
Trooper Bailey is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
“Our prayers are with Master Trooper James R. Bailey's family, fellow troopers, and all of Indiana State Police as we learn of his death in the line of service," Governor Holcomb said in a statement. "His legacy will live on, and his memory will never be forgotten. Janet and I send the family our condolences for the loved ones of Master Trooper Bailey.”
The suspect driving the vehicle striking Bailey was Terry Dewaine Sands II, 42, of Marion. Sands was taken into custody and incarcerated in the DeKalb County Jail on a preliminary charge of Resisting Law Enforcement, Causing Death to Law Enforcement Officer, a Level 2 Felony.
The investigation is ongoing, and all findings will be turned over to the DeKalb County Prosecutor for review and determination of any further charges that may be filed.
The Indiana State Police was assisted at the scene by the Fort Wayne Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff Department, Auburn Police Department, DeKalb County EMS, Auburn Fire Department and troopers from neighboring ISP Peru Post.
The Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation has established an official memorial fund to honor Bailey. Donations can be made at this weblink under the "Master Trooper James R. Bailey" section: https://indiana fallen.org/fallen-heroes.