UPDATE: Man, 24, killed from being shot multiple times after pursuit

Lucy Perry photo

Indiana State Police Sr. Trooper BJ Patterson has released the names of officers involved in the police action shooting Tuesday night.

• West Terre Haute Police Officer Caleb Talpas, with 5 -and- half years of service

• Terre Haute Police Sgt. Justin Sears, with 10 years of service.

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Original story posted Dec. 19


​By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

An Indiana State Police investigation is underway after a Vincennes man was shot multiple times and killed by an officer during a traffic stop last night in Terre Haute.

David Frederick, 24, allegedly refused to stop after a West Terre Haute Police Department officer attempted to pull him over for failing to stop at a red light around 10:30 p.m.

ISP Sr. Trooper B.J.Patterson explained that the suspect was driving a white 2018 Chevy Colorado pickup truck and continued driving despite the officer having activated his lights and siren. He added that a Terre Haute Police Officer heard the radio traffic and assisted with the pursuit before the fatal gunshots were fired.

​When the suspect finally stopped, officers noticed he was armed.

“The suspect raised the handgun and began firing at the officers. The officers returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene by a deputy coroner with the Vigo County Coroner’s office,” Patterson said.

​Both officers have been placed on administrative leave, as is customary. Their names are expected to be released this week.

Officers from multiple agencies swarmed the area when reports of gunshots fired were received. The area was blocked off to traffic as investigators worked the scene where the suspect had finally pulled into a parking lot near 10 1/2 Street and Wabash Avenue and reportedly ignored commands to drop a visible handgun when exiting his vehicle. He allegedly fired at officers -- leading to the exchange of gunshots .

Investigation revealed the man was possibly suicidal.

An autopsy was performed this morning by pathologist Dr. Deli Adeagbo at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Patterson explained that the autopsy results indicate the manner of death as multiple gunshot wounds.



The case was investigated by ISP Detective Don Curtis. Assisting officers were ISP Detectives Lieutenant Jeff Hearon, First Sergeant Jason Fajt, Sergeant Sam Stearley, Detective Jason Schoffstall, Trooper David Petrowski, Trooper Courtland Woodruff, and ISP Crime Scene Investigator Sergeant Brandon Mullen. Also assisting were Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office and Vigo County Coroner’s Office.

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