Indiana Trooper Shot During Traffic Stop Shoot-out, Suspected Shooter Killed: State Police

HAMMOND, IND. — An Indiana State Trooper was injured in a shoot-out during a traffic stop near the state line early Tuesday, and the Gary man accused of shooting him was fatally shot, authorities said.

Shortly after midnight, an Indiana State Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a gray Hyundai Elantra for a traffic violation. The stop happened at I-94 EB 2.4 mile-marker, which is at Indianapolis Blvd. The trooper at the scene called for assistance after encountering "two non-compliant occupants" inside the vehicle, Indiana State Police said in a release. The trooper told dispatch that he was holding the suspects at gunpoint while waiting for backup to arrive.

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An officer from the Hammond Police Department and two officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department were the first to arrive at the scene. Accordingto officials, as officers approached the suspect vehicle, the driver pulled a handgun, and an exchange of gunfire occurred between the suspect and police.

The driver was struck during the gunfire and was pronounced dead at the scene. He has since been identified as Aaron Barnes, 34, of Gary. A handgun used by Barnes was recovered at the scene, state police said.

The Indiana State Trooper sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. An officer with the Hammond Police Department transported the trooper to Munster Community Hospital for treatment. He is currently being treated at the University of Chicago Hospital and is listed in stable condition. The trooper is a K9 handler; his K9 partner was present during the incident but was not injured.

No other officers were injured.

Two Lake County Sheriff's Department officers who responded to the scene were not wounded but were taken to an area hospital for evaluation. They were expected to be medically cleared and will be on paid administrative leave per department policy and procedure, the sheriff's office said.

A 34-year-old female passenger from the vehicle was taken into custody and transported to the Lake County Jail on a 48-hour probable cause hold, Indiana State Police said.

Investigators have 48 hours to submit charges, or the individual must be released.

This investigation is in the very early stages and all information remains preliminary, state police said.

The name of the injured trooper at an appropriate time, they added.