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Indiana trooper shot during pursuit of stolen car, suspect found dead after manhunt

Law enforcement gather evidence at the scene of a state trooper-involved shooting in LaPorte County, Indiana, July 10, 2026. (WLS)

(CHICAGO) — An Indiana state trooper is recovering in a hospital after he was shot by a suspect Friday who was being pursued by law enforcement across two states in a stolen car.

Indiana State Police later found the unidentified suspect dead following a manhunt.

The incident began around 5:30 a.m., when officers were in pursuit over a stolen truck in Berrien County, Michigan, which ultimately continued to LaPorte County, Indiana, Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield said during a news conference.

The unidentified suspect allegedly drove into a cornfield to elude police and ultimately got on I-94 and then US-421 in Indiana, Fifield said.

The suspect and the unidentified officer collided in Michigan City, Indiana, and the suspect allegedly began firing, according to Fifield.

Even though he was hit several times, the trooper was able to return fire before the suspect got back in the truck and fled, according to Fifield.

The trooper was transported to the hospital and was listed in stable condition, according to the police.

The wounded officer was in surgery and in good spirits, according to Fifield.

Investigators located the truck around 9:16 a.m. in a tree line in the Westville, Indiana area, Fifield said.

Officials urged those in the area to remain indoors and report anything suspicious as they continue to search for the suspect in that wooded area, Fifield said. About 100 officers were searching for the suspect, he added.

Around 1:15 p.m., Fifield said that the suspect was found deceased and that he had injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

A law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation told ABC News that preliminary information suggests the suspect died of a self inflicted gunshot wound.

ABC News’ Luke Barr contributed to this report.

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Parents of 5-year-old cancer victim plead for return of stolen statue from South Florida park

Click here for updates on this story    MIAMI (WFOR) -- The parents of a 5-year-old boy who died of cancer are pleading for the return of a commemorative statue stolen from a park dedicated to his memory.For the past six years, a life-size bronze replica of Jake Duque has stood atop a concrete platform in a Miami Lakes park named in his honor. Jake, who died in 2020 after battling diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma—an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer—became a symbol of hope for thousands of followers known as "Jakey's Army."His parents, Karen and Orlando Duque, said they were in disbelief when they received a phone call Saturday morning informing them the 44-inch-tall statue was gone."We literally said, 'Go back! You must not have seen it.' We still are in shock," Karen Duque said.The impact of the theft was felt immediately by the family, including the couple's 4-year-old child. "I'll tell you what our 4-year-old told us this morning: 'Someone took our brother? My brother? Who would take my brother?'" Karen Duque said.The statue was a focal point of comfort for both the family and the community, Orlando Duque said."You know, when you see this sunset now in a couple of minutes, you'll understand the peace that people see here," he said. "And that peace comes not only from God, but from my boy Jakey. That's what we're missing here."A plaque located beneath the statue's former site reads: "He planted mustard seeds of faith that transformed the lives of thousands of people."The parents are asking for the return of the statue, noting that it holds no monetary value but is irreplaceable to their family and the community. "There's no value. The statue is priceless to us," Karen Duque said. "It's not just a statue. It's a representation of a boy who impacted so many people's lives, and it's a statue that belongs to the community. It belongs to everyone."The parents stated they do not wish to press charges if the statue is returned.Anyone with information regarding the missing statue is asked to contact the family at 305-915-7050.Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
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