STEUBEN CO. – Late Saturday at approximately 11:30 p.m., Indiana State Police Trooper Ben Walker conducted a traffic on a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe passenger vehicle on County Road 275N near County Road 85W, Steuben County for an observed speeding violation.
During the course of the traffic stop, Trooper Walker requested assistance from Steuben County Sheriff Department Corporal Alex Harris (K9 unit) based on a reasonable suspicion that required a narcotics K9 to conduct an open-air search.
After the arrival of the K9 unit, Trooper Walker requested the driver, 40-year-old Aaron J. Sylvia, of Angola, to exit the vehicle to further the investigation. Sylvia is then alleged to have resisted exiting the vehicle, rather he becomes extremely combative and resistant, striking both Walker and Harris with multiple punches and kicks. A Taser device was employed by Cpl Harris but was not effective.
Trooper Dan Burkey arrived on the scene and also became engaged in the physical altercation to restrain Sylvia. Multiple other agency officers also arrived on the scene and Sylvia was then subsequently restrained.
After being transported to a local area hospital for medical evaluation and clearance, Sylvia was then transported to the Steuben County jail where he was booked into custody on several felonies and misdemeanor-related charges including battery against a public safety official, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Troopers Walker and Burkey, and Corporal Harris all received injuries that were medically evaluated and the officers were released without the need for further medical attention.
Trooper Walker was assisted at the scene by several troopers from the Fort Wayne Post, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Angola PD, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and Countryside Towing Service.
