In the winter of 1983, a dedicated Indiana State Police Trooper named Steven Lester Bailey tragically lost his life in Indianapolis. At 29 years old, Trooper Bailey was serving as an undercover narcotics officer, a role that often placed him in dangerous situations. On the night of December 9th, he was part of a team, including two other troopers and a Marion County probation officer, tasked with serving an arrest warrant at an apartment complex.
The warrant was for a known drug dealer
who had failed to appear in court on other charges. Upon their arrival at the Woodward Apartments around 11:30 p.m., the suspect refused to cooperate and would not open the door. The officers were left with no choice but to attempt to force their way into the residence to execute the warrant. It was during this tense and volatile moment that tragedy struck. As the officers were trying to breach the door, Trooper Bailey's own. 45-caliber revolver accidentally discharged.
The single bullet struck Trooper Bailey in the chin, causing a catastrophic injury to his brain. He was immediately rushed to Methodist Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, the young trooper succumbed to his injuries five hours later, on December 10, 1983. An investigation into the incident determined that the shooting was an accidental discharge of his service weapon.
Following the tragic event, the suspect was taken into custody by the other officers at the scene on the original warrant. However, no charges were filed in relation to Trooper Bailey's death, as it was officially ruled an accident. Trooper Bailey had served with the Indiana State Police for five years and was survived by his parents, two sisters, and three brothers. His untimely death was a profound loss to his family, the law enforcement community, and the state he had sworn to protect.
