At approximately 12:21 pm, an Indiana State Trooper who was searching the river bank area near the location of the original shooting that occurred this morning, made contact with Quentin Starke, 44, from Bartholomew County, who was hiding in a wooded secluded area.
As the two encountered each other, Starke fired a firearm at the trooper and missed.
The trooper then returned fire and during the exchange of gunfire 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 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 Starke.
When Starke was apprehended first aid was rendered but Starke was pronounced dead at the scene.
The name of the Indiana State Trooper involved in the shooting will be released at a later date.
The initial investigation indicated 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.
At some point, 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.
The suspect is described as a white male, late 30s or early 40s, 6 feet tall, 190 pounds, red or brown hair. The suspect was wearing black shirt, jeans, and a ball cap at the time of the incident.
The suspect was considered armed and dangerous at this time.
