First Sergeant Marvin Walts was shot and killed during a traffic stop of a bank robbery suspect on U.S. 31 near where it intersects with State Road 131 in Clark County.

   While on his day off, he had received a broadcast of an armed robbery of $1,655 at the Sellersburg State Bank at 1:15 pm. After stopping a vehicle some time later, it was confirmed the driver's jacket matched the description given of the bank robbery suspect.

   As First Sergeant Walts returned to the vehicle, the 25-year-old suspect shot him in the forehead, killing him instantly. A minister who was riding with the trooper was then fired upon before being able to return fire himself and kill the man with the trooper's shotgun.

   First Sergeant Walts, from New Albany, had planned to retire in six months and was assigned to the Charlestown post. He was survived by his wife, 15-year-old son and brother.