Officer Donald R. Sheppard

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.