DEKALB COUNTY, IN - An Indiana State Police Trooper has died after being struck in a crash along I-69 Friday afternoon.

According to the Indiana State Police, Master Trooper James R. Bailey was assisting other troopers on I-69 working traffic backup. The backup was a result of weather related crashes near the 326 mile marker, south of Auburn in DeKalb County.

Reports indicate the Fort Wayne Police Department became involved in a vehicle pursuit on I-69 near Trooper Bailey’s location. Trooper Bailey attempted to de-escalate the pursuit by deploying stop sticks, as a result, Trooper Bailey was struck by the suspect vehicle.

The suspect driver involved in this incident, Terry Dewaine Sands II, age 42 of Marion (Indiana) was taken into custody and has been incarcerated in the DeKalb County Jail on a preliminary charge of Resisting Law Enforcement Causing Death to Law Enforcement Officer, a Level 2 Felony.

This is still an ongoing investigation. All findings will be turned over to the DeKalb County Prosecutor for review and determination of any further charges that may be filed.

Medical care was rendered at the scene to Trooper Bailey, and then he was rushed to a Fort Wayne hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Trooper Bailer is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. Family notifications have been made.

Master Trooper Bailey was just 50 years old. He served with the Indiana State Police for more than 15 years.

The Indiana State Police was assisted at the scene by the Fort Wayne Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff Department, Auburn Police Department, DeKalb County EMS, Auburn Fire Department, and troopers from neighboring Indiana State Police Peru Post.