16-year Indiana police veteran Rob Pitts, pictured above, was killed in a shoot out with a homicide suspect on Friday
An Indiana police veteran who worked on the force for 16 years has been killed in a shootout.
Rob Pitts was with a team of officers when he approached an apartment complex Friday night where an armed murder suspect was inside.
The suspect opened fire from the second floor of the apartment in Terre Haute, fatally hitting Pitts.
He was taken to Terre Haute Regional Hospital where he died, police say.
Officers arrived to the home around 6:32pm on Friday and a standoff ensued for three hours.
The suspect shot at officers and barricaded himself into the home, leading police to respond with gunfire.
Eventually a SWAT team entered the apartment and located the suspect, ending the standoff at 9:15pm.
He was also killed in the gunfire exchange.
On Friday Pitts along with other officers approached the apartment complex on the south side of Terre Haute, Indiana where he was fatally shot
A murder suspect inside the home opened fire from the second floor onto officers below
A standoff between the shooter and officers ensued for three hours before a SWAT team entered the home to reach the suspect
An investigation is ongoing and autopsies are expected Sunday.
‘Rob is deeply missed, but we are grateful for the time we had with him. Thank you for your continued prayers,’ Terre Haute police spokesman Ryan Adamson said Saturday.
It is another tragic loss for the Wabash Valley and the Terre Haute Police Department,’ Sgt. Joe Watts of the Indiana State Police said.
Chief John Plasse held a news conference to announce Pitts death.
Bringing in back up: The murder suspect also died in the gunfire exchange on Friday evening
Pitts is the first Terre Haute officer to die on duty since July 11, 2011, another officer pictured above at the scene on Friday
Police spokesman Ryan Adamson reported his death on Twitter and announced that his funeral will be held on Wednesday
Governor Eric Holcomb shares his condolences for the 16-year police veteran on Twitter
‘People are engaging law enforcement and we are losing our lives. He was a fine officer and he was going toward danger to help his fellow officers apprehend a homicide suspect,’ he said.
Governor Eric Holcomb tweeted his condolences to Pitts’ family.
‘The sorrow @FLJanetHolcomb & I feel for the family of Patrolman Rob Pitts, the Terre Haute Police Department & the Wabash Valley region is beyond words. I ask Hoosiers around the state to join me in honoring Patrolman Pitts’ service & dedication,’ he said.
A vigil for the fallen officer will be held Sunday evening at the Sullivan Indiana Courthouse.
His funeral will be held Wednesday.
He is the first Terre Haute officer to die on duty since July 11, 2011.