Jasper trooper awarded Purple Heart and Combat Action Awards

During a special convocation held in Indianapolis today, Jasper Post Trooper Jarrod Lents was awarded the Purple Heart and a Combat Action Award for his actions during a gun fight in Daviess County.

On June 17, 2013, Trooper Lents, a nine year veteran of the Indiana State Police, responded to a report of a disturbance at the Black Oak Armament gun shop in Montgomery, Indiana. The Daviess County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center was listening to a 911 call from the gun shop owner who was arguing and struggling with an individual who was in his store. During this initial confrontation, the suspect fired a round from his handgun. Fortunately, no one was struck.

Trooper Lents arrived and parked behind the suspect’s vehicle as he was attempting to leave the business. As he exited his car and approached the suspect’s vehicle. As he was approaching the driver’s door, the suspect pointed a 9mm handgun at him. Trooper Lents knocked the handgun away and proceeded to find a position of cover while exchanging gunfire with the suspect.

Lents knew that he had been hit at least two times during the initial contact with the suspect and believed his wounds were possibly fatal in nature. He continued to exchange rounds with the suspect until the suspect was hit in the head, ending the confrontation.

Lents was struck at least five times during the exchange of gunfire with the suspect but it was determined that his injuries were not life threatening due to wearing his ballistic vest. The investigation later indicated that the suspect was attempting to rob the gun shop and had been prescribed medication two weeks prior that had drastically changed his demeanor.

The actions and dedication to duty of both Sergeant Gardner and Trooper Lents are in keeping with the finest traditions of law enforcement and reflect great credit upon themselves and the Indiana State Police Department.