April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Suspect dies after firing at officer, state trooper
By Indiana State Police-
A suspect died after allegedly shooting at an Indiana State Police trooper searching for him Saturday afternoon south of Columbus, and at a Columbus Police officer earlier in the morning.
44-year-old Quentin Starke was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the state police.
Police were searching for Starke after he allegedly fired at a Columbus police officer earlier in the morning.
According to the state police:
"The initial investigation indicates that a Columbus Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on a Toyota Corolla passenger car near 11th and Washington Streets this morning at approximately 4:20 am. The vehicle fled from the officer, leading police officers from the Columbus Police Department and Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office in a pursuit. The vehicle eventually drove southbound on State Road 11 and turned onto a county road before coming to a stop near a water treatment facility."
"The suspect exited the vehicle and fired at least one shot from a long gun at a Columbus Police Officer. The suspect then fled into a wooded area. The Columbus Police Officer was injured by the shot. The officer was transported to the Columbus Regional Hospital where he was treated for injuries. The male officer was treated and has since been released from the hospital."
State Police identified the Columbus officer as Sgt. Joshua McCrary.
"At approximately 12:21 p.m. Saturday, an Indiana State Trooper who was searching the river bank area near the location of the original shooting that occurred that morning, made contact with Quentin Starke, 44, from Bartholomew County, who was hiding in a wooded secluded area.
"As the two encountered each other Quentin Starke fired a firearm at the trooper and missed. The trooper then returned fire and during the exchange of gunfire Quentin Starke was struck and died.
"It is uncertain at this time if the gunshot wound or wounds was from the Indiana State Trooper's firearm or Quentin Starke's firearm. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death and a ballistics test will be performed to determine which weapon's bullet or bullets struck Quentin Starke.
"The name of the Indiana State Trooper involved in the shooting will be released at a later date.
This investigation is continuing."
"All subjects are innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law."[[In-content Ad]]
