Full Breakdown
Indiana State Police Sergeant Shot During Multi-State Pursuit; Suspect Found Dead
7/11/2026, 1:29:48 PM
Incident Overview
On the morning of July 10, 2026, Indiana State Police Sergeant Justin Heflin was wounded after an exchange of gunfire with a suspect at a Speedway gas station on U.S. Highway 421 (2884 U.S. Highway 421) just south of Michigan City, Indiana. Heflin sustained multiple gunshot wounds, underwent surgery and was later transferred from Franciscan Hospital in Michigan City to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where he was reported to be in good spirits and surrounded by family.
Background & Pursuit
The confrontation stemmed from a stolen-vehicle investigation that began in Berrien County, Michigan, where officers reported a silver 2019 Ford F-150 being driven without permission. The suspect, later identified as Kevin W. Meyers, 54, of La Porte, Indiana, fled northward, evading police through cornfields before re-entering Indiana on I-94 and then U.S. 421. A collision between Heflin’s patrol SUV and Meyers’ truck at the Speedway triggered the gunfire exchange. After the shootout, Meyers fled, prompting a large-scale manhunt.
Key Figures
- Sergeant Justin Heflin – 12-year Indiana State Police veteran; former United States Marine Corps member.
- Kevin W. Meyers – 54-year-old La Porte resident with a documented criminal history in multiple states.
- Sgt. Glen Fifield – Spokesperson for Indiana State Police, briefed media throughout the incident.
Timeline
- 5:30 a.m. – Pursuit initiates in Berrien County, Michigan.
- ~7:00 a.m. – Heflin spots Meyers near I-94/US-421; collision occurs at Speedway gas station.
- Shortly after – Exchange of gunfire; Heflin wounded, Meyers flees.
- 9:16 a.m. – Helicopter locates Meyers’ truck near Joliet and Wozniak Roads, Westville area.
- 1:15 p.m. – Meyers found dead with gunshot-wound injuries; autopsy scheduled for July 11, 2026.
- Throughout morning – Over 100 officers, including FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and multiple local agencies, deploy armored SWAT trucks, riot shields, bullet-proof vests, K-9 units, drones and aviation assets.
Official Statements & Responses
Indiana State Police confirmed the suspect “proceeded to shoot at our trooper, and our trooper sustained multiple gunshot wounds.” The department emphasized that tactical teams used “aviation, drones, and K9s” to locate Meyers and that “there is no threat to the community.” Officials also noted the suspect’s injuries were “consistent with gunshot wounds” and that an autopsy would be performed.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witness Robert Pahs recounted hearing “gunshots” and observing the collision, stating, “the officer must have rear-ended into the suspect.” Police secured the scene, evacuated a young woman, a child and a dog in an armored vehicle, and later reopened the gas station after clearing evidence markers.
Data & Statistics
- ~100 law-enforcement personnel participated in the search.
- Resources deployed included 2 armored SWAT trucks, multiple drones, K-9 units, and aviation support.
- The suspect’s vehicle was recovered approximately 10 miles from the shooting site.
Impact & Significance
The event marks the third officer-in-the-line-of-duty shooting in northwest Indiana within weeks, following incidents on May 22 and May 26. It underscores the challenges of cross-state vehicle pursuits and the extensive inter-agency coordination required for rapid response and public safety.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Indiana State Police described Meyers’ death as resulting from “gunshot wounds,” an ABC News source suggested the wounds may have been “self-inflicted.” The exact manner of death remains pending the scheduled autopsy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The suspect proceeded to shoot at our trooper, and our trooper sustained multiple gunshot wounds,” — Sgt. Glen Fifield, Indiana State Police
- “The suspect in this shooting was located a short time ago, deceased at the location I mentioned earlier down near Joliet and Wozniak road. He did have injuries consistent with those of gunshot wounds,” — Sgt. Glen Fifield, Indiana State Police
- “To my knowledge, the tactical teams down there located him in the field. We were using aviation, drones, and K9s. All those resources were being used in the search for him,” — Sgt. Glen Fifield, Indiana State Police
- “I heard this crinkling sound at first I wasn't sure but those were gunshots, and by the time I pulled into the Speedway, the officer must have rear ended into the suspect,” — Robert Pahs, eyewitness
What’s Next
The La Porte County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy on July 11, 2026 to determine the precise cause of Kevin W. Meyers’ death. Indiana State Police will continue the investigation into the stolen-vehicle pursuit and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
