WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Indiana State Police have released more information in the death investigation of the man who died while in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division custody Saturday.
According to the news release from the Indiana State Police, a conservation officer with the DNR and the West Terre Haute Police Department were working a detail in the river bottoms of West Terre Haute after reports of criminal activity. Authorities state that during the detail, officers came across Shane Hedden.
The release added that Hedden was riding an ATV and was approached by a conservation officer, also riding an ATV. Police records state that the conservation officer dismounted and identified himself as law enforcement and ordered Hedden off his ATV. The release states that Hedden disregarded the command and attempted to evade the conservation officer by driving off and subsequently dragging the officer about 10 yards.
Authorities state that West Terre Haute Police officers located Hedden in the brush an additional 150 yards away and took him into custody. While in custody, police records state Hedden began complaining of chest pain before collapsing. Officers performed CPR and first aid. Hedden was then taken to a Terre Haute hospital, where staff pronounced him dead.
An autopsy on Hedden was scheduled at Regional Hospital on Monday. Authorities confirm that Hedden did not die from trauma, and that no taser was used on Hedden during the time of arrest. Toxicology and pathologist reports are currently pending. Once results are in, the official cause of death is said to be released by the coroner’s office.
The investigation is still ongoing.
