Officer Donald R. Sheppard, Highland Police Department, Indiana

Officer Donald R. Sheppard

Highland Police Department, Indiana

End of Watch Friday, November 12, 1971

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Donald R. Sheppard

Officer Donald Sheppard was shot and killed during a traffic stop at 9:50 am on Ridge Road near Highland Street.

Officer Sheppard, while transporting two other officers back from checking on an impounded car, made a traffic stop on a vehicle. The officers were unaware that the driver was a convicted rapist who had escaped from the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City two hours earlier. The suspect opened fire on the officers, killing Officer Sheppard, but was shot and wounded by one of the other officers. The suspect was arrested and sentenced to life in prison, where he died.

Officer Sheppard had served with the Highland Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 5 years
Badge 5

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Died in prison

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Officer Sheppard,

I worked with your daughter Pat when she was a jailer at the Perry County Sheriff’s Department. She speaks of you with fond memories, love, and the utmost admiration. She misses and loves you more than you can imagine. We will do everything we can to make today as easy as possible. Rest easy Officer.

George Wooten
Indiana State Police

November 12, 2021