Trooper Cory R. Elson

Trooper Cory Elson was shot and killed after making a traffic stop on U.S. 27 in Decatur, Indiana.

As Trooper Elson exited his vehicle, the suspect opened fire with a fully automatic AK-47. One of the first rounds penetrated the cruiser's door and struck Trooper Elson in the leg. Trooper Elson retreated to the rear of his cruiser and returned fire. The suspect continued to fire at Trooper Elson, firing as many as 36 rounds, fatally wounding him. An employee of a business was shot and wounded during the gunfire and was able to call 911.

The suspect was able to flee the scene but was captured the next day. In July 2000 the suspect was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 20 years after entering a plea bargain to be spared the death penalty.

Trooper Elson was the second of three Indiana State Troopers from the 56th ISP Recruit Academy (graduated December 1998) to fall in the line of duty within a 10 month period.