2 Ind. Deputies, Police Officer Injured Struggling With Suspect During Stop

Two Vigo County sheriff's deputies and a Terre Haute police officer were injured after a suspect allegedly struck a deputy in the face and fought officers during a traffic stop.

What to Know

  • Two Vigo County sheriff's deputies and a Terre Haute police officer were injured while struggling with a suspect during a traffic stop Tuesday.
  • Deputies attempted to handcuff the driver after discovering a firearm in the vehicle and observing suspicious behavior, but the suspect resisted and allegedly struck a deputy in the face.
  • The suspect was eventually subdued, and three officers were treated and released from the hospital while the driver faces multiple charges, including dealing methamphetamine and battery on a public safety official.

Two Indiana deputies and a police officer were injured in a struggle with suspect during a traffic stop Tuesday.

The incident happened at about 4:20 p.m. when Vigo County sheriff's deputies pulled over a driver for speeding, an obstructed license plate and suspected drug activity, the sheriff's office stated in a news release. While talking with the driver, later identified as Tyler Meerhoff, deputies discovered of a gun was in the vehicle, and they noticed Meerhoff exhibiting nervous behavior. 

The driver was asked to exit the vehicle, and deputies eventually tried to handcuff Meerhoff, who began resisting.Terre Haute police were called for help as Meerhoff continued to fight with deputies.

During the struggle, Meerhoff struck a deputy in the face, and officers deployed a Taser to try to subdue the suspect. Finally, Meerhoff was handcuffed and taken to the hospital before being released into custody.

Two deputies were injured in the altercation, with one deputy receiving numerous stitches. A police officer suffered a knee injury, and all three officers were taken to the hospital, where they treated and released.

Meerhoff faces multiple charges, including dealing methamphetamine, battery on a public safety official and other counts. A handgun also was recovered during the stop.

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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