ISP trooper hit, killed during vehicle pursuit on I-69
DEKALB COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — A state trooper is dead after getting struck by a suspect’s vehicle Friday during a pursuit on I-69 in Dekalb County.
Indiana State Police say at 4:30 p.m. Senior Trooper James R. Bailey was working traffic backup from a weather-related crash on I-69, near the 326 mile-marker, south of Auburn in DeKalb County.
The Fort Wayne Police Department became involved in a vehicle pursuit on I-69 near Bailey’s location, according to police.
Bailey attempted to de-escalate the pursuit by deploying stop sticks. As a result, Bailey was struck by the suspect’s vehicle.
Bailey was taken to a Fort Wayne hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
Bailey is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
Bailey had survived a snow crash in 2020 when a driver lost control of his vehicle and hit the trooper’s patrol car on I-69 while investigating a crash.
Senior Trooper Bailey was presented with the department’s Combat Action Award for his courageous performance while on duty in 2021.
In a press release Friday night, ISP named the suspected driver that hit Bailey as Terry Dewaine Sands II, 42, of Marion, IN. Sands was taken into custody and is being held at Dekalb County Jail on a preliminary charge of Resisting Law Enforcement and causing Death to Law Enforcement Officer.
Multiple political leaders in the community reacted to the death of Trooper Bailey:
Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement regarding Trooper Bailey’s passing:
“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. 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.”
Gov. Eric Holcomb
The Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation has established an official memorial fund to honor Master Trooper James Bailey.
Donations can be made online under the “Master Trooper Bailey” section on the website and via Venmo by sending to @Indiana-fallen-heroes.