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ISP Trooper Shot, Gunman Killed In Shootout

Last updated on Tuesday, June 18, 2013

(MONTGOMERY) - Indiana State Trooper Jarrod Lents was shot Monday afternoon when an armed robbery suspect opened fire.

Lents, a Springville native and Bedford North Lawrence graduate, has been with Indiana State Police for nine years. He was responding to an armed robbery at a gun store when he was shot multiple times.

ISP Capt. Dave Bursten says 60-year-old James Jones went into the gun shop - Black Oak Armaments - and demanded a gun be sold to him. When the gun shop owner, Keith Loughmiller refused, that's when police say a gunfight took place inside the building between the owner and Jones. No one was injured.

Bursten says Lents saw Jones outside Black Oak Armaments, at 4739 U.S. 50, between Washington and Montgomery about 1:35 p.m. and that is when the man opened fire, for a second time.

Bursen says Lents returned fire, killing Jones. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene by the Daviess County coroner. Police have yet to release his identity.

Lents who was shot several times was taken by helicopter to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville with non-life threatening injuries. He has since been released from the hospital and is home recovering with the care of his family.

"I am relieved to learn that Trooper Lents' injuries are not life-threatening. Our prayers go out to him, and I am reminded of the risks those who wear the uniform take every day, and of their courageous service to the people of Indiana," Gov. Mike Pence said in a statement Monday.

This investigation is ongoing.

"The Indiana State Police does not take the loss of life lightly," says ISP Sgt. Curt Durnil in an email. "It is regrettable the actions of Mr.Jones resulted in his death. The Indiana State Police offers condolences to the extended Jones family for their loss. The Indiana State Police also expresses our thanks and gratitude to the public's many expressions of well wishes for the speedy recovery of Trooper Lents."

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