Indiana Police Officer Killed In Suspect Chase Crash

CLARK COUNTY, IN — Law enforcement agencies in Indiana and across the country are mourning the death of a Clark County police officer who the Indiana State Police said was killed in a crash stemming from a Wednesday night police chase involving a suspect and the Charlestown City Police Department. ISP said 33-year-old Charlestown City Police Department Officer Benton Bertram died on scene in Scott County late Wednesday during the car chase, when his vehicle crossed over SR 56 and hit a tree in the front yard of a home.

ISP said Clark County Central Dispatch notified state police officers in Sellersburg at 10:20 p.m. of pursuit involving a suspect, identified as 35-year-old Benjamin Eads (pictured), of the 3700 block of Lanes Road, Freedom, Ind., and the CCPD in Clark County. ISP said according to the preliminary investigation, the chase started near Charlestown when Officer Bertram tried to stop a teal colored 1998 Toyota Corolla driven by Eads for a traffic violation.

According to ISP, the suspect drove off north on SR 3 into Scott County, reaching the east intersection of SR 3 and SR 56 east of Scottsburg. That's when Officer Bertram's vehicle left the roadway and crashed, police said. Although several responding crews tended to Bertram at the scene, the nine-year CCPD veteran died of injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead by the Scott County Coroner's Office, ISP added.

Eads and his car were later located in Clark County where he was taken into custody and taken to the Scott County Jail, ISP said. He's been charged in Scott County with resisting law enforcement causing death, in addition to Clark County charges of resisting law enforcement and auto theft, according to officials.

Police said the crash and pursuit are under investigation.

Law enforcement from Fishers and other agencies across the U.S. are remembering Officer Bertram. He is also being honored by Governor Eric Holcomb and First Lady Janet Holcomb.

We are saddened by the news of the #lineofduty death of Charlestown Police Officer Benton Bertram. Pls keep Ofc. Bertram's family, The Charlestown Police Dept, and the community that lost a #hero in your thoughts & prayers. #nogreaterlove #thinblueline #service #sacrifice #honor pic.twitter.com/qSDgB698tx
— Fishers_Police (@Fishers_Police) December 13, 2018

This tragic event is heartbreaking. I ask all Hoosiers to join @FLJanetHolcomb and I in honoring Officer Bertram’s service and dedication to his community. https://t.co/hSNkLQPGjT
— Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) December 13, 2018

#JeffFire would like to extend our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters in blue at the Charlestown City Police Department, for their loss of officer Ben Bertram, who was killed in the line of duty last night. Prayers to his family and friends as well. pic.twitter.com/i4X3G5uFAU
— Jeffersonville Fire (@JFDpio) December 13, 2018

Offering support and condolences to our "family in blue" at the Charlestown Police Department after Officer Benton Bertram was killed last night while pursuing a suspect. Rest easy brother. pic.twitter.com/EHdaODjrne
— Columbus IN Police (@Columbus_Police) December 13, 2018

Photo of Eads credited to: Indiana State Police