Officer Robert Pitts

Officers of the Terre Haute Police Department had initiated a homicide investigation earlier in the day on 18th Street in Terre Haute. The investigation led them to the Garden Quarter apartments to which they arrived at approximately 6:30 P.M. As Officer Pitts and another officer approached the apartment building, an individual began shooting at them from a second-story window with a rifle. Officers returned fire, but Officer Pitts was mortally wounded by one of the first shots. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries. The suspect was later found dead in the apartment.