Indiana State Trooper hit and killed by driver in stolen vehicle he was trying to stop

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A state trooper in northern Indiana was hit and killed by a person allegedly driving a stolen vehicle Wednesday evening.

It happened around 8:40 p.m. on Ronald Reagan Parkway, which is north of I-70 near Indianapolis, according to a news release from Indiana State Police. That's where Trooper Aaron Smith, 33, from Franklin, Ind., was assisting other troopers on Ronald Reagan Parkway as they pursued a 2016 Chevy Traverse that had been reported stolen.

Smith was placing stop sticks in the roadway when the suspect hit him, according to the release. He received emergency medical care at the scene and was rushed to Eskenazi Hospital, but died from his injuries.

Smith leaves behind a wife.

The driver involved in the incident, along with a woman and juvenile female passenger, were taken to Indianapolis hospitals. The driver has been identified 18-year-old Eddie P. Jones, Jr. from Sikeston, Missouri. He is now charged with murder.

Jones' passenger, 19-year-old DeMareon L. Curry, also from from Sikeston, has been preliminarily charged with Auto Theft.

The 15-year-old female passenger is listed as a missing person from Missouri and will be turned over to authorities there. She is not being charged in connection with this incident.

The Hendricks County Prosecutor will handle the case.

"This is a tremendously sad day for the entire Indiana State Police family," Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter said in a written statement. We will band together as we always do in support of Trooper Smith's family, friends and co-workers."

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement offering condolences to the wife, family and close friends of Trooper Smith.

"Trooper Smith lived and died a hero. His everlasting inspiration is a painful reminder of what the best among us sacrifice everyday when they leave the house. I encourage every Hoosier so inclined to right now stop and shower Trooper Smith’s bride with prayer and be there for his fellow law enforcement members so shaken by this heartbreaking loss."

The Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation is raising money to support Smith's family. To donate, click here.

This story will be updated, when more information becomes available.