(MADISON) – Saturday morning, an Indiana State Trooper was shot during a standoff with an armed suspect on State Road 56 near Madison.
The incident began at approximately 2:30 a.m., when troopers with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post, along with officers from the Madison Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Switzerland County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 8000 Block of East State Road 56 in eastern Jefferson County after receiving reports of a male suspect firing shots inside of a residence.
Upon arrival, officers assisted the other occupants of the home to safety. Officers determined 59-year-old Wade R. Roark, was still inside the home.
The Indiana State Police-South Zone SWAT Team was activated and arrived on the scene. Throughout the early morning hours, Roark continued to fire shots inside the residence.
Master Trooper Joseph Livers, an 18 year veteran of the Indiana State Police, sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries to his lower left leg when Roark, opened fire on M/Trp. Livers, who was on the scene as a member of the Indiana State Police SWAT Team.
Roark was in the basement of the home when he shot through a hole in the basement wall. One round fired through the hole struck M/Trp. Livers. After being shot, emergency personnel provided immediate care to him.
A second trooper returned fire but Roark was not struck by the gunfire.
M/Trp Livers was transported to King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison before being transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he underwent surgery.
Roark soon exited the residence and surrendered. He was arrested and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. Roark is currently being held on charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery, battery, and criminal recklessness.
Roark is expected to make his initial appearance in the Jefferson County Circuit Court early this week.
