What is a blue alert? Indiana authorities search for suspect in deputy shooting – NBC Chicago

Indiana law enforcement agencies have issued a statewide Blue Alert for an “armed and dangerous” suspect who allegedly shot a sheriff’s deputy in the southern part of the state, officials said. authorities.

Austin Schepers, 33, allegedly shot a sheriff’s deputy around 1 a.m. Friday in West Baden, Orange County, according to an Indiana State Police news release. Schepers is 5 feet 7 inches tall with a tattoo of a cross under his left eye and several tattoos around his neck.

The blue alert issued during the search for the suspect requires the following criteria:

• Law enforcement officer missing, seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.
• The suspect has not been apprehended, location unknown and represents imminent danger.
• There must be enough descriptive information to believe that the broadcast will be useful.
• The application must be recommended by the applicable law enforcement agency.

Schepers was last seen driving a silver 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, officials said. That vehicle was found later Friday morning, according to police.

Anyone seeing the suspect is asked not to approach and to call 911 or the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411.