CLAY CO. – A death investigation is underway after a pursuit in Clay County on Wednesday, June 4, ended with the death of the driver.
At approximately 5:00 p.m., Trooper Caleb Cannon was dispatched to investigate a suspicious subject and vehicle near a residence in Cory, IN, but the subject had left before his arrival. Shortly after, Trooper Cannon located a vehicle matching the description traveling eastbound on County Road 300 South. He observed the vehicle travel left of center and stop in the middle of the roadway. Trooper Cannon attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to yield, initiating a low-speed pursuit southbound on County Road 300 toward State Road 59.
Upon reaching State Road 59, the Clay County Sheriff’s Department successfully deployed stop sticks, which deflated multiple tires on the vehicle. Despite this, the subject continued onto State Road 59. Trooper Cannon then performed a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver, causing the subject’s vehicle to enter a cornfield, strike Trooper Cannon’s patrol vehicle, and come to a stop.
Troopers issued verbal commands for the subject to exit the vehicle, but the subject refused and began to disrobe. After an hour-long standoff, troopers used extrication tactics to remove the subject from the vehicle and took the individual into custody without further incident.
The subject was identified as Aaron Krout, a 35-year-old from Brazil, Indiana. Krout was transported to a local hospital in Terre Haute due to indicators of being under the influence of a controlled substance. While at the hospital, Krout experienced a medical episode and was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.
Krout’s family has been notified. An autopsy is scheduled for today at Terre Haute Regional Hospital, and Vigo County Coroner Travis Norris will determine the cause of death.
Assisting agencies included troopers from the Putnamville State Police Post, the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Hoosiers Towing, and the Vigo County Coroner’s Office.
