(Hendricks County, IN) - The Indiana State Police has lost another officer in the line of duty.

 

33-year-old Trooper Aaron Smith was struck by a fleeing car southwest of Indianapolis Wednesday night.

 

At about 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, Trooper Smith was helping with the pursuit of a stolen vehicle north of I-70 close to the Indianapolis International Airport. While deploying stop sticks in an attempt to slow the vehicle, Smith was hit and thrown into the air, suffering critical injuries. He died later at a nearby hospital.

 

Smith, a five-year veteran of the State Police, lived in Franklin, Indiana. He is survived by his wife.

 

The suspect driving the car, along with an adult and juvenile passenger were all transported to Indianapolis hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation into all aspects of the incident is ongoing.

 

Smith is the second State Trooper to be killed in the line of duty this year. Master Trooper James Bailey was killed in a similar runaway car incident near Ft. Wayne in early March.

 

[UPDATE]

 

On Thursday morning, the Indiana State Police issued the following update regarding the suspects in the fleeing car:

 

"Eddie P. Jones, Jr., 18 years of age from Sikeston, Missouri, who was driving the stolen 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has been preliminarily charged with Murder, a Level 1 Felony."

 

"The adult passenger, DeMareon L. Curry, 19 years of age from Sikeston, Missouri has been preliminarily charged with Auto Theft, a Level 5 Felony."

 

"A 15-year-old female, who was listed as a missing person from Missouri will be turned over to authorities from that state later today.  She is not being charged in connection with this incident."