(Indianapolis, IN) - An Indiana State Trooper has been honored for his heroism in La Porte County last year.

 

On April 12, 2025, an armed man fled into the Michigan City Meijer store threatening to kill himself. Following a seven?and?a?half?hour standoff in the store’s garden center, the subject shot himself in the chest.

 

State Trooper Spencer Hathaway took action right away to administer medical aid. Hathaway, who is a former Army National Guard Combat Medic, applied chest seals, packed the exit wound with combat gauze, and maintained pressure to control bleeding until EMS could transport the subject, who survived.

 

Hathaway was presented with a State Police Lifesaving Award at a ceremony in Indianapolis on Tuesday.

 

Commander of the Lowell Post, Lt. Terrance Weems, stated, “Trooper Hathaway’s actions exemplify the highest standards of the Indiana State Police. His training, calm demeanor, and willingness to step forward in a critical moment undoubtedly saved a life. We are extremely proud of his professionalism and dedication to serving the public.”