Terre Haute Police Officer Killed While Investigating Homicide

TERRE HAUTE, IN — A veteran Terre Haute police officer was shot in the head and killed while investigating a homicide Friday, authorities said. Police say a homicide suspect was also killed during a standoff.

Police said the officer and the suspect died "during an exchange of gunfire" around 6:30 p.m. The incident unfolded at the Garden Quarter Apartment Complex. Preliminary results from an autopsy revealed the officer's cause of death as a single gunshot wound to the head and the manner of death a homicide.

Terre Haute police were investigating an early Friday afternoon homicide when the investigation led them to the apartment complex. Police say four officers were sent to the apartment complex where they believed a potential suspect may be.

As the officers encountered the suspect near the front door of the building, the suspect fired on officers from an elevated position on the second floor, police said. Terre Haute police exchanged gunfire with the suspect and the officer, Patrolman Rob Pitts, was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Pitts had been with the department for 16 years.

A standoff ensued that ended at around 9:15 p.m. and as authorities entered the building, they found the suspect on the second floor hallway. The suspect also succumbed to his wounds, police said. Police say an autopsy is scheduled for May 7.

Image via Indiana State Police