(HAMMOND) - Indiana State Police have released a woman who was taken into custody following a traffic stop shooting that left an Indiana State Trooper wounded and a Gary man dead.
In a third update issued Tuesday, State Police said detectives gathered additional information and evidence during the investigation. As a result, the female passenger who had been held following the shooting was released pending further investigation.
Police emphasized the investigation remains active and ongoing. Officials also said additional details are expected to be released in the coming days.
The incident began shortly after midnight during a traffic stop on a gray Hyundai Elantra for a traffic violation on eastbound Interstate 94 near Indianapolis Boulevard in Hammond.
According to Indiana State Police, the trooper requested immediate assistance after encountering two non-compliant occupants and advised dispatchers he was holding the suspects at gunpoint while waiting for backup.
A Hammond Police officer and two Lake County Sheriff's Department officers were the first to arrive on scene. Police said the driver produced a handgun as officers approached the vehicle, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
The driver, identified by the Lake County Coroner as Aaron Barnes, 34, of Gary, was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. Police said a handgun used by Barnes was recovered.
The trooper suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was initially taken to Community Hospital in Munster before being transferred to the University of Chicago Hospital. Indiana State Police later reported the trooper underwent successful surgery, was released from the hospital and is now recovering at home.
No other officers were injured during the incident. The trooper's K-9 partner was present during the shooting and was not injured.
Police initially said a 34-year-old female passenger was taken to the Lake County Jail on a 48-hour probable cause hold. State Police have since released her pending further investigation.
Indiana State Police have not yet released the injured trooper's name, saying that information will be provided at an appropriate time.