Indiana State Police Department, Indiana • Line of Duty Death: March 3, 2023
On March 3, 2023, Indiana State Police Master Trooper James Bailey was struck and killed by a fleeing vehicle while deploying spike strips in an attempt to aid in a vehicle pursuit.
Bailey was born in Auburn, Indiana and raised in Garrett, Indiana. Growing up, Bailey loved baseball, basketball, and spending time with his friends. When he was in eighth grade, Bailey had his first fight with Ewing’s Sarcoma, an experience that would shape him into the resilient individual he was. He and his wife, Amy, met while she was still in high school and began dating after she graduated. The pair later married and welcomed two children.
Bailey’s childhood dream was to become a police officer. He worked as a reserve officer while working full time at a factory prior to graduating from Indiana State Police Academy in 2007. Having served 16 honorable years with the Indiana State Police, Bailey received the Life Saving Award in 2012, was named Trooper of the Year for District 22 in 2012, and he also earned the combat Action Award in 2021. Bailey was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Indiana Wayne Lodge 14 and the Indiana State Police Alliance. While attempting to deploy stop sticks to de-escalate a police vehicle pursuit, Bailey was struck and killed by the suspect fleeing the police. He was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Amy currently resides in Indiana with her children, Joseph and Sophia. She enjoys reading and watching her children grow. Additionally, she is a substitute school nurse, volunteers with her local public library as well as Park and Rec programs. Receiving a mortgage free home from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has allowed Amy and her children to stay in the home her children have grown up in, filled with memories of their father. Finally, Amy would like others to know that her husband would have chosen to honor his life and community by saving others, even if it meant the end of his own.
Indiana State Police Master Trooper James Bailey leaves behind his wife, Amy, and his children, Joseph and Sophia.