Auburn, IN – Indiana State Police (ISP) Master Trooper James Bailey died in the line of duty on Friday after he was struck by a fleeing suspect while trying to deploy spike strips on the interstate.
The 50-year-old trooper was assisting fellow troopers with traffic control after a series of weather-related traffic crashes caused backup on Interstate 69 when he was notified at about 4:30 p.m. on March 3 that the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) was involved in a pursuit heading in his direction, the Indianapolis Star reported.
Trooper Bailey quickly got into position and was attempting to deploy a tire deflation device to stop the fleeing suspect when the suspect slammed into him at a high rate of speed, according to investigators.
The veteran trooper was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, the Indianapolis Star reported.
The suspect behind the wheel of the vehicle was identified by police as 42-year-old Terry Dewaine Sands.
Sands was arrested after the deadly wreck and was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on a preliminary charge of resisting law enforcement casing death to a law enforcement officer, the Indianapolis Star reported.
“This is a tremendously sad day for the entire Indiana State Police family,” ISP Superintendent Douglas Carter said in a press release issued in the wake of Trooper Bailey’s death. “We will band together as we always do in support of Trooper Bailey’s family, friends and co-workers.”
Trooper Bailey leaves behind his wife, daughter, and son, WFFT reported.
He served the ISP for nearly 16 years, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
The three-time cancer survivor was also honored as ISP District 22 Trooper of the Year in 2013, WANE reported.
“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,” Indiana Governor Eric 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.”
Trooper Bailey will be laid to rest on March 11, WSBT reported.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Indiana State Police Master Trooper James Bailey, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
