Aaron Smith
An Indiana State Police trooper who was a local resident was killed during a police pursuit Wednesday night.
Trooper Aaron N. Smith, 33, was killed following a vehicle crash on the Ronald Reagan Parkway, north of Interstate 70, in Hendricks County on Wednesday. Smith, who lived in Franklin and was a 2008 graduate of Whiteland Community High School, is survived by his wife.
“This is a tremendously sad day for the entire Indiana State Police family,” said Doug Carter, ISP superintendent. “We will band together as we always do in support of Trooper Smith’s family, friends and co-workers.”
State police preliminarily said Smith, who had served with ISP for five years, was assisting other troopers on Ronald Reagan Parkway with a pursuit of a stolen 2016 Chevrolet Traverse around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday. He tried to de-escalate the pursuit by deploying stop sticks, and was struck by the suspect vehicle and critically injured.
Emergency medical care was rendered at the scene. Smith was rushed to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis, where he died, according to ISP.
The suspect involved in the incident, along with an adult and juvenile passenger, were all transported to Indianapolis hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
On Thursday morning, ISP announced that two people were arrested and incarcerated at the Hendricks County Jail in connection to the incident. The driver, Eddie P. Jones Jr., 18, has been preliminarily charged with murder, a Level 1 Felony, while an adult passenger, DeMareon L. Curry, 19, has been preliminarily charged with auto theft, a Level 5 Felony.
Both Jones and Curry are from Sikeston, Missouri, a town located in far southeastern Missouri near the Mississippi River.
A 15-year-old female who was in the car is listed as a missing person from Missouri. She will be turned over to authorities from that state later today and is not being charged in connection with this incident, state police say.
The investigation is still ongoing. The Hendricks County Prosecutor will make the final determination of the preliminary charges and will review the potential for additional criminal charges, according to ISP.
Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation officials called Smith a “proud Indiana State Trooper” who had been called a “shining star” by ISP. In a message to parents, the district said their prayers go out to Smith and his wife Megan, who is a teacher at the Clark-Pleasant Early Learning Center.
“Aaron was a football player, #29, and a wrestler,” school board member Butch Zike said. “He was a great individual who served as one of my office assistants and always made the most out of life. May he rest in peace.”
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and his wife, Janet, also offered condolences to Smith’s wife, family and close friends. Smith lived and died a hero, Holcomb said in a statement.
“His everlasting inspiration is a painful reminder of what the best among us sacrifice every day when they leave the house,” Holcomb said. “I encourage every Hoosier so inclined to right now stop and shower Trooper Smith’s bride with prayer and be there for his fellow law enforcement members so shaken by this heartbreaking loss.”
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said her heart goes out to Smith’s wife and family.
“The Indiana State Police has faced yet another tragedy this year. … I will keep Superintendent Carter, all of the men and women of the Indiana State Police and officer Smith’s family in my prayers,” she said.
This story will be updated as more information comes in.
