Ind. Police Officer Could Lose Use of 'Lower Extremities' after Shooting

Evansville Police Officer Sam Taylor suffered "very serious injuries" after he was shot multiple times after spotting a suspect in a stolen car and trying to stop him from carjacking another vehicle.
Sept. 23, 2025
2 min read

What to know

  • Evansville Police Officer Sam Taylor was critically injured after he was shot multiple times trying to arrest a suspect in a stolen vehicle.

  • Taylor suffered "very serious injuries" in the incident, and he could permanently lose "the use of of his lower extremities," says Chief Phil Smith

  • The 18-year-old suspect, who was shot and wounded by other officers, faces two counts of attempted murder and other felonies as he is being held on $1 million bond.

How to help

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #73 is accepting donations on behalf of the family of Evansville Police Officer Sam Taylor to help cover medical and other expenses as he "continues his fight for life and healing."

Go to the donation campaign's website for more information.

An Indiana police officer could permanently lose the loss of his lower body after he was shot multiple times while trying to stop a suspect in a stolen car over the weekend.

Evansville Police Officer Sam Taylor was responding to a report of vehicle theft outside a Rally's restaurant at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday, the Evansville Courier & Press reports. Taylor had spotted a suspect—identified Jailani Darealis Chew, 18—in the stolen vehicle and tried to apprehend him.

Chew fled the scene to a nearby gas station, where he tried to carjack a vehicle. When Taylor caught up with Chew, the suspect opened fire, striking Taylor multiple times. 

Officers coming to help Taylor returned fire, wounding Chew. The suspect was treated at a hospital and then booked into jail Monday on a $1 million bond.

During a news conference with Mayor Stephanie Terry and other city officials, Chief Phil Smith said Taylor remained in stable condition after being rushed to the hospital. He suffered “very serious injuries” during the incident and faces a difficulty recovery, the chief added. 

“In his dedication to put our community before himself, he may have lost the use of his lower extremities,” said Smith.

Taylor joined the force as a probationary officer in March. He previously had been a member of the Greensburg Police Department and served six years in the Army.

Chew faces two counts of attempted murder, which are both Level 1 felonies. He also was charged with armed robbery, resisting law enforcement and six counts of criminal recklessness.

According to police, the juvenile driver of the stolen vehicle was later caught. The shooting is under investigation.

About the Author

Joe Vince
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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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