Today marks 30 years since Shelby Co. deputy was killed in pursuit

(SHELBYVILLE, Ind.) – Today marks 30 years since a multi-county high speed pursuit claimed the life of a Shelby County deputy. 

Deputy Stacia Alyea was among the officers pursuing a drunk driver on State Road 44 on April 18, 1996. 

The chase went into Rush County where Deputy Alyea’s vehicle ran over stop sticks that had been placed on the highway. She lost control of her vehicle and struck a tree which caused fatal injuries.  

She was 35-years-old and left behind her husband, who also worked on the department, as well as a 10-year-old son and twin 6-year-old daughters. 

Alyea had just recognized by Mother's Against Drunk Driving the previous week for her work in drunken-driving enforcement.

She had served on the Shelby County Sheriff's Department for 5 years and was an Air Force veteran as well.

The suspect in the pursuit was later arrested in Franklin County and initially denied causing the accident. 

He later pleaded guilty to and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.