Indianapolis, IN – February 27, 2023 at approximately 10:08 a.m. three Indiana State Troopers were involved in an incident that led to one trooper exchanging gunfire with a suspect. No officers were injured in this incident, the suspect was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.
Preliminary investigation determined the troopers were following investigative leads to locate 36 year old Christopher Crouch of Nineveh Indiana, who was wanted on several felony warrants. Their investigation led them to the Quality Inn near McFarland Blvd and Southport Crossing Drive. When one of the troopers went into the lobby of the hotel, they saw Crouch coming out of a room and into the hallway. Crouch ran for the exit and the trooper pursued. He was able to get into a white car and drive away, another trooper was able to pursue the white car with his police car. Crouch drove a short distance with the trooper behind him, he then drove over a curb, over an embankment and into a pond off of Southport Crossing Drive. After he crashed into the pond Crouch got out of the car and ran south. The Trooper was chasing Crouch on foot when he came to the edge of a second pond, he stopped and the trooper could see a gun in his hand. The trooper gave several commands to drop the weapon before the exchange of gunfire.
Immediately after the exchange of gunfire, the troopers on scene rendered medical aid to the suspect, who had an injury consistent with a gunshot wound. Paramedics were called to the scene and troopers continued medical aid until they arrived. The suspect was transported to an area hospital and is listed in stable condition. Investigators are still on scene collecting evidence, that evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for further analyzation. It was determined the white car Crouch used to flee from police was stolen from Terre Haute February 24, 2023.
This information is preliminary and this investigation is still active. All crimes mentioned in this release are alleged and all suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
