An Indiana State Police trooper was shot Friday morning during the pursuit of a stolen vehicle in La Porte County, authorities said. The incident prompted a multi-agency manhunt that ended when the suspect was found dead in a rural area.
Trooper wounded in collision and gunfire
State police said the pursuit began in Berrien County, Michigan, and continued into Indiana along Interstate 94. The trooper, later identified as Sgt. Justin Heflin, a 12‑year veteran of the Indiana State Police, located the suspect's silver Ford F‑150 as it exited the interstate near U.S. 421.
Authorities say the suspect's truck collided with the trooper's patrol vehicle at a Speedway gas station near U.S. 421 and County Road 300 North. Following the crash, the suspect fired multiple shots from a rifle and struck the trooper, who returned fire as the vehicle fled, police said.
"Our focus is on the status of our trooper and finding this dangerous, dangerous individual," Sgt. Glen Fifield said during a briefing Friday.
Sgt. Heflin was taken to an area hospital and later transferred to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for further treatment. State police said he underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition.
Manhunt and suspect located
Following the shooting, tactical units and dozens of officers converged on areas south of the first scene after the suspect's truck was located in a tree line near Wozniak and Joliet roads, about five miles from the initial crash. Additional gunfire was reported at that location. Law enforcement later found the suspect deceased in a nearby cornfield; La Porte County authorities said the injuries were consistent with a gunshot and the county coroner pronounced him dead at the scene.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Morning | Pursuit into Indiana along I‑94 from Berrien County |
| Shortly after | Collision and gunfire at Speedway near U.S. 421 & County Road 300 N |
| Later | Truck located near Wozniak & Joliet roads; tactical response |
| Before 11:30 a.m. | Suspect found deceased; no ongoing threat announced |
Authorities identified the suspect as Kevin W. Meyers, 54, of La Porte. As of late Friday, investigators had not released a motive. An autopsy was scheduled for the following day, according to law enforcement updates.
Local impact and public guidance
The shooting prompted shelter-in-place advisories and road closures in parts of La Porte County while tactical teams worked the scenes. Residents were urged to avoid the areas immediately surrounding both investigation sites until police declared them secure.
- Location: near U.S. 421 and County Road 300 N, La Porte County
- Injured trooper: Sgt. Justin Heflin; underwent surgery and listed stable
- Suspect: Kevin W. Meyers, 54, found deceased; cause under investigation
The shooting marks the second time in recent months an Indiana officer was seriously wounded in the line of duty, underscoring ongoing risks faced by highway and patrol personnel. Investigators from the Indiana State Police and local agencies continue to process the scenes and collect evidence; officials urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
This remains an active investigation; News Block will update developments as authorities release additional details.
