(Wabash) Master Trooper David Rich was shot and killed while investigating an apparent stranded vehicle on U.S. 24 near State Road 115, one mile west of Wabash in Wabash County.
Master Trooper Rich, who was on his way home in plainclothes and in an unmarked squad car, stopped to help a motorist he believed was stranded at about 4:00 pm. Master Trooper Rich was not aware the man was driving an SUV that his father had reported stolen the previous day from their home in Gaylord, Michigan. Upon approaching the vehicle, the suspect opened fire with a shotgun through the driver’s window, striking Master Trooper Rich in the chest who was not wearing a bullet-resistant vest, but had his service weapon drawn.
The suspect reloaded the shotgun and then committed suicide.
Master Trooper Rich had served with the Indiana State Police for over 17½ years and was assigned to the Peru post as a detective. He was survived by his wife, 7-year-old daughter, twin 4-year-old sons, parents, sister and brother, who serves as a captain with the Indiana State Police. His father is a retired Indiana State Police trooper and former two-term Miami County sheriff. In 2008, a Memorial Mile was designated on U.S. 24 on the bypass in Wabash in his honor. There is also a memorial tree at the corner of Stitt St and Manchester Ave in Wabash.