PLAINFIELD — An award was presented to commend Officer Jake Smith for his brave actions on March 25, while responding to a call of a person shot at the I-70 eastbound rest stop.
"He located the victim lying on the side of the road and immediately began accessing his injuries," Interim Chief Kyle Prewitt said. "Locating several gunshot wounds and applying a tourniquet to the victim's left arm to prevent significant blood loss."
The victim was Matt Roberts.
Roberts stopped to help a driver at the I-70 eastbound rest stop in his tow truck when he was shot multiple times. The shooter then took off in Roberts' truck.
Smith was the first officer to get to the scene and helped save Roberts’ life.
"It's very admirable what he did that day to save this man's life," Deputy Chief Joe Aldridge said. "And to have the thought to do all of that while a suspect was still at large."
In a room filled with city leaders, Plainfield police, family and citizens, Smith received the Lifesaver Award and a heartfelt message from the man who is lucky to be here today.
"I know each and every one of you would say, 'we're just doing our job,'" Roberts said. "But to me and my family, you doing your job at the best of your ability is the reason I stand here tonight. I thank you. I consider you as brothers and I can't wait to get back out there with you. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. Stay safe, stay strong."
While Smith used life-saving measures on Roberts until medics arrived, he was able to relay important details about the suspect that helped officers quickly track him down.
-
Warmer Wednesday, heavy rain and storms return later in the week
Warmer conditions for the end of the work week, but also several rain chances as well. Another heat dome moves in across parts of the central US heading into next week.
Jim Irsay Collection memorabilia auction sets record with $105 million in sales
The Jim Irsay Collection auction series concluded with a total of $105,266,766 in sales, marking the largest sale total in history for memorabilia.
IFD rescues kitten stuck underneath car
You've heard of a cat stuck in a tree, but have you heard about a kitten stuck under a car? EMS Battalion Chief Jason Garner sprang into action to rescue a kitten that was trapped underneath the car.
Indianapolis City-County Council rejects proposal to increase OPHS oversight
A proposal to add oversight to the Marion County Office of Public Health and Safety has failed to gain enough support from the Indianapolis City-County Council.
