Officer Robert Schachte was shot and killed while searching a man during a traffic stop.

   While conducting the search at the rear of his squad car, a scuffle ensued and Officer Schachte was shot in the face. The shooting was witnessed by the driver and guard in an armored car. They stopped, the guard exited their vehicle and fired three shots, striking the suspect who continued fleeing.

   Officer Schachte was taken to Marion County Hospital where he died during surgery.

   The 28-year-old suspect was eventually apprehended in Detroit eight months later. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison where he died in 2014 while incarcerated.

   At the time of the incident, he had escaped over a month earlier from Central State Hospital in Indianapolis where he had been admitted under a program for habitual drug addicts to avoid prosecution on a burglary charge.

   Officer Schachte was survived by his wife, parents and siblings. One of his brothers also served on the department.

Military Service United States Marine Corps Sergeant (SGT) ▪ 1963–1969

The responsibilities of the Indianapolis Police Department (1854–2006) are now under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.