Indiana State Police Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting

COLUMBUS, IN — Indiana State Police say they're investigating the shooting of a Columbus Police Officer that took place early Saturday morning near 11th and Washington Streets in Columbus, Indiana. ISP said the man who shot the officer is dead, following an almost eight-hour pursuit. Police report Quentin Starke, 44, from Bartholomew County, died from a gunshot wound or wounds just after 12:20 p.m.

Police said this initial investigation began when the now-injured officer initiated a traffic stop at 4:20 a.m. on a Toyota Corolla, before the driver fled in the vehicle. The suspect led CPD personnel and Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office officials on a pursuit, before stopping near a water treatment facility on a county road, ISP said.

ISP reports the suspect exited the vehicle and shot one of the officers, injuring him by the shot. The male officer was transported to the Columbus Regional Hospital where he was treated for injuries, and has since been released.

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At approximately 12:21 pm, ISP said an Indiana State Trooper was searching the river bank area near the location of the original shooting that took place this morning, and made contact with Starke, who was hiding in a wooded secluded area. ISP said Starke shot from a firearm at the trooper and missed, and the trooper then returned fire. ISP said during the exchange of shots, Starke was struck and soon died. Officials are investigating whether the deadly gunshot wound or wounds was from the Indiana State Trooper’s firearm or Starke’s firearm.

Police said an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death, and a ballistics test will be performed to determine which weapon’s bullet or bullets struck Starke.

Medics tended to Starke after he was apprehended by officials, but he was then pronounced dead at the scene.

ISP said this investigation is continuing.

(Photo credit: Renee Shiavone, Patch)