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Suspect dead after assaulting Indiana police officer, fleeing in stolen semi

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Indiana State Police (ISP) are investigating the death of a man who allegedly stole a semi truck and led police on a pursuit following the assault of an off-duty police officer.

According to ISP, the incident began early Tuesday when the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office received a report on the theft of a 1985 Peterbilt truck.

Shortly before noon on Tuesday, Richmond Police Officer Austin Adams, who was off-duty and in his person vehicle at the time, spotted the stolen semi truck traveling on US27 near Union Pike.

Adams followed the stolen truck and attempted to alert other police officers to respond to the area.

According to ISP, the person driving the semi truck pulled off of Webster Road near Flatley Road for unknown reasons. Adams was able to make contact with the driver, who was later identified as 40 year old Troy M. Lewis.

After identifying himself as a police officer, Adams was allegedly assaulted by Lewis.

Lewis then fled the scene.

Deputies from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and officers from the Fountain City Police Department located Lewis after he fled the scene.

Lewis refused to stop as officers pursued him into southern Randolph County. He eventually stopped his vehicle on Base Road south of County Road 850 South, but refused to exit the truck.

Officers heard a gunshot from inside the semi.

Lewis was found suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was later pronounced dead.

Adams was airlifted a hospital in Dayton, Ohio, and is being treated for serious injuries.

No police officers opened fire on Lewis during the incident.

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