LA PORTE COUNTY — A search for an "armed and dangerous" suspect ended Friday night after shots were fired at an Indiana State Police trooper in rural LaPorte County, authorities said. A woman surrendered at the scene and was taken into custody, and a man was later discovered dead in a home with what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Initial contact and gunfire
Indiana State Police said the incident began about 3:15 p.m. when a trooper responded to reports of two people acting suspiciously along County Road 125 East, south of County Road 900 North. The trooper located a man and a woman and started a conversation while seated in his patrol vehicle, officials said.
During that encounter, the male removed a handgun from his waistband. The trooper accelerated his vehicle to depart, and the male fired at the patrol car, striking it twice. The trooper did not sustain injuries.
"The trooper located the pair, a male and a female, and began speaking with them."
Flight, surrender and manhunt
After the shots were fired, the two people ran into nearby woods. A short time later the woman emerged and surrendered to authorities. Law enforcement then initiated a manhunt for the male suspect.
Indiana State Police said a SWAT team later executed a search of a residence in the 8300 block of North 125 East. At approximately 7:40 p.m., officers found the male inside the home. He was dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a handgun was located nearby, police said.
Charges, public safety and resources
Authorities took a 20-year-old woman from Elkhart into custody; officials said charges are pending. Police also emphasized there is no ongoing danger to the public.
Officials reminded anyone in crisis that help is available through the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, which can be called or texted any time.
- Initial response: ~3:15 p.m., trooper encounter on County Road 125 E.
- Shots fired: Patrol car struck twice; trooper uninjured.
- Surrender: Female suspect surrendered at scene.
- Resolution: ~7:40 p.m., male suspect found dead inside a residence; handgun located.
What authorities have released
Indiana State Police provided the timeline and the basic circumstances of the shooting. Beyond noting the ages and hometown of the detained woman, officials have not released additional identifying details on the suspects or a cause of death pending law enforcement and forensic procedures. A spokesperson said the investigation remains active and that formal charges are expected to be filed in the coming days.
Community and next steps
Law enforcement presence in the rural area drew neighbors and motorists as authorities secured the scene and followed leads into the evening. Neighbors who witnessed the police response described a heavy law enforcement deployment, including patrol units and a SWAT team, though police have not described the size of the response.
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact Indiana State Police. Because the investigation is ongoing, police have not released additional records or body-camera material beyond the official statement.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | County Road 125 E., south of County Road 900 N.; residence in 8300 block N. 125 E., LaPorte County |
| Times | Initial contact ~3:15 p.m.; suspect located ~7:40 p.m. |
| Injuries | Trooper not injured; male suspect found dead (apparent self-inflicted wound) |
| Arrests | 20-year-old woman from Elkhart; charges pending |
As the inquiry continues, the Indiana State Police are expected to release more details, including any evidence recovered and the basis for forthcoming charges. The department also said it will review body-worn camera and dash-camera footage as part of the probe.
We will update this report as officials provide additional information.
