Hammond, IN – Indiana State Police continue investigating after a state trooper was shot during a traffic stop early Tuesday morning along Interstate 94 in Hammond, leaving the suspect dead following an exchange of gunfire.
According to Indiana State Police, the incident happened shortly after midnight Tuesday, May 26, near the I-94 eastbound 2.4 mile-marker at Indianapolis Boulevard. Authorities said the trooper initiated a traffic stop for a traffic violation before encountering two allegedly non-compliant occupants inside the vehicle.
Police said the trooper radioed for immediate assistance and informed dispatchers he was holding the suspect at gunpoint while waiting for backup officers to arrive.
An officer with the Hammond Police Department and two deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene. Investigators said as officers approached the suspect vehicle, the driver allegedly produced a handgun, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and responding officers.
The suspect, identified by the Lake County Coroner as 34-year-old Aaron Barns of Gary, Indiana, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said a handgun was recovered nearby. An autopsy remains pending.
The trooper suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was initially transported to Munster Community Hospital before later being treated at the University of Chicago Hospital. Indiana State Police said the trooper underwent surgery, has since been released, and is now recovering at home.
A 34-year-old female passenger was initially taken into custody on a 48-hour probable cause hold but was later released pending further investigation.
Officials said the investigation remains active, and additional information is expected to be released in the coming days.
