Officer Paul Kortepeter was killed when his patrol car was struck by a pickup truck that was fleeing from an armed robbery of a Taco Bell restaurant.

   The two male suspects had fled and were being pursued by two Indiana State Police troopers and a Marion County deputy sheriff when Officer Kortepeter joined the pursuit.

   As the pickup truck entered a curve in the roadway, it crossed the center line and struck the patrol car of Officer Kortepeter head-on.

   He was transported to Wishard Hospital where he died from severe chest and head injuries a short time later.

   Both suspects were charged with robbery with a deadly weapon, reckless homicide, vehicle theft and resisting law enforcement. The 30-year-old driver was convicted of murder, sentenced to 70 years in prison and discharged in 2016.

   Charges against the 31-year-old suspect were later dismissed.

   Officer Kortepeter was survived by his 13-year-old son, 10-year-old daughter and mother.

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