Trooper Shot During Standoff with Suspect near Madison

Madison – Saturday morning, an Indiana State Trooper was shot during a standoff with an armed suspect on State Road 56 near Madison, Indiana.

The incident began at approximately 2:30 am Saturday, when troopers with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post, along with officers from the Madison Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Switzerland County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 8000 Block of East State Road 56 in eastern Jefferson County after receiving reports of a male suspect firing shots inside of a residence.

Upon arriving on scene, officers assisted the other occupants of the home to safety.  Officers determined the male suspect, Wade R. Roark, age 59, was still inside the residence.  The Indiana State Police-South Zone SWAT Team was activated and arrived on scene.  Throughout the early morning hours, Roark continued to fire shots inside the residence. 

Master Trooper Joseph Livers, an 18 year veteran of the Indiana State Police, sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries to his lower left leg when Roark opened fire on M/Trp. Livers, who was on the scene as a member of the Indiana State Police SWAT Team. 

The investigation indicated that Roark was in the basement of the home when he shot through a hole in the basement wall.  One round fired through the hole struck M/Trp. Livers.  After being shot, emergency personnel provided immediate care to him.  He was then transported to King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison before being transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he underwent surgery.

Roark soon surrendered to law enforcement officers on the scene.  He was arrested and transported to the Jefferson County Jail.  Roark is currently being held on charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Battery, Battery, and Criminal Recklessness.

Roark is expected to make his initial appearance in the Jefferson County Circuit Court early this week.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.