Press Release

AUBURN — The man who hit and killed Indiana State Police Master Trooper James Bailey on I-69 has been formally charged with murder.

DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney Neal R. Blythe announced on March 9 that Terry D. Sands II has been charged with murder, a felony; resisting law enforcement causing death, a level 2 felony; causing death when operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the body, a level 4 felony; and resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor.

Around 4:35 p.m. Friday, March 3, Bailey was working traffic on I-69 when he became aware of a pursuit just south of him. Bailey attempted to assist with the pursuit and was out of his car working to help the Fort Wayne Police Department officer who was pursuing Sands.

Sands is alleged to have knowingly or intentionally turned his car directly toward Bailey, which resulted in Bailey being struck and killed by Sands’ vehicle.

“Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers continue to go out to the family of Master Trooper Bailey,” said Blythe in a press release. “They have been forced to face the most horrible tragedy any family could ever suffer. Master Trooper Bailey served the people of DeKalb County and the State of Indiana with honor and courage, and his loss has left a hole in our community. Today’s announcement is the first step toward seeking justice for Master Trooper Bailey, his family and friends, and the law enforcement community.”

The case is pending and the investigation is still ongoing. These criminal charges are merely accusations and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.