29 June 2023 , 17:53
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A hero cop described as "the best of us" was struck and killed by a callous crook fleeing in a stolen vehicle.
The trooper, identified as 33-year-old Aaron Smith, had exited his patrol car to deploy spike strips during a pursuit when he was critically injured by the car thief, on the southwest side of Indianapolis.
Aaron, a highly regarded member of the Indiana State Police, was rushed to Eskenazi Hospital after the car hit him as it rushed down Ronald Reagan Parkway at approximately 8.45pm.
He later died of his his injuries. Superintendent Doug Carter expressed deep sadness and referred to Aaron as "the best of us" during a press statement.
He said: "This young trooper was the best of us. He was a shining star with the state police.
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“He was one of those guys that stood out,” Superintendent Doug Carter said (Indiana State Police)"He didn’t survive tonight. I am usually not without words, but I don’t know what else to say besides the sadness continues to follow us. He was one of those guys who stood out.
"I would trade places [with Smith] if I could take away her pain.
"Ever since I have been superintendent I promised these young members I would do everything I could to take care of them and I couldn't take care of him tonight. I just couldn't."
Aaron, who had served with the department for five years, leaves behind a young wife and family.
Police had located a stolen vehicle and attempted to stop the driver, which led to a vehicle pursuit. (Indiana Department of Transportation)Superintendent Carter vowed to support the fallen officer's loved ones during this difficult time.
He said: "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 Smith's family, friends and co-workers,"
The incident involved a stolen vehicle and multiple occupants, including the suspect, an adult passenger, and a juvenile. All three individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment.
This devastating loss comes just a few months after another Indiana State Police trooper, Master Trooper James Bailey, was killed under similar circumstances while attempting to deploy stop sticks.
Aaron Smith was taken to Eskenazi Hospital, where he later died. (Indiana State Police)Superintendent Carter emphasized the need to continue serving and protecting the community despite the challenges faced by law enforcement.
He said: "We’ve got to keep serving those who care for us because we care for them. We’ve got to keep doing what we do.
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"We’ve got to believe the vast majority of people are still good people and honorable people.
"It’s easy to say, ‘This is what we signed up for’ but we’re all expected to be something other than human."
The investigation into Trooper Smith's death is currently underway, with multiple law enforcement agencies involved in a "complex criminal investigation.