Town Marshal James Larimer and Indiana State Trooper John Streu were shot and killed while arresting two suspects for kidnapping, robbery and auto theft.

   The two officers had responded to a report of two suspicious men sleeping in a vehicle behind Kolling Elementary School. The officers handcuffed one of the men and placed him in the cruiser when the second man opened fire, striking Marshal Larimer.

   Trooper Streu returned fire, striking the suspect. He then left his gun in the front seat and went to the aid of Marshal Larimer. When he did so the handcuffed suspect reached over the seat, picked up Trooper Streu's weapon, and shot him.

   He was taken to Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Dyer where he died an hour later.

   The 23-year-old shooter had escaped from the Indiana State Farm near Greencastle and was sentenced to two life terms in prison where he died in 2009. The 17-year-old offender was sentenced to life and died in prison in 2015.

   Town Marshal Larimer had previously served with the Hammond Police Department for 22 years. He was survived by his wife and son.