A manhunt in LaPorte County, Indiana, ended after a suspect was found deceased following a shooting that left an Indiana State Police trooper injured.
According to authorities, the incident began around 5:30 a.m. when Indiana State Troopers responded to Interstate 94 to assist Berrien County, Michigan authorities with a stolen vehicle pursuit that had crossed into Indiana. During the pursuit, officials said the suspect fired multiple rounds from a rifle and pointed the weapon at pursuing officers.
The chase continued from I-94 onto local roads, where the suspect temporarily escaped capture.
Authorities said an Indiana State Trooper later located the suspect vehicle, identified as a silver 2019 Ford F-150, near I-94 and U.S. 421. A collision occurred between the suspect’s truck and the trooper’s patrol vehicle, after which the suspect opened fire from inside the truck, striking the patrol vehicle and the trooper multiple times before fleeing.
Responding troopers quickly arrived, provided assistance, and transported the injured officer to Franciscan Health Michigan City for emergency treatment. A large-scale search for the suspect was then launched.
At approximately 9:16 a.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit located the Ford F-150 hidden in a tree line in the 7500 block of Joliet Road in rural LaPorte County. As officers moved into the area, gunfire was heard coming from a nearby cornfield. No additional officers were injured.
A perimeter was established, and tactical teams searched the area. The suspect was later found deceased in the cornfield with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
Authorities identified the suspect as Kevin W. Meyers, 54, of LaPorte, Indiana. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the LaPorte County Coroner. An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday, July 11.
The injured trooper was identified as Sgt. Justin Heflin, a 12-year veteran of the Indiana State Police and a United States Marine Corps veteran. Sgt. Heflin suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was initially treated at Franciscan Health before being transferred to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where he underwent successful surgery.
Officials said Sgt. Heflin is currently in stable condition and surrounded by his family.
The Indiana State Police thanked the many local agencies that assisted with the investigation and search efforts. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
