Officer Paul A. Kortepeter, 39, was killed on January 19, 1983, when his patrol car collided head-on with a truck being operated at a high speed by two men who were suspected of robbing a westside restaurant.  The fleeing truck was being chased by two state police troopers and a Marion County Sheriff's deputy.  Hearing the broadcast of the chase, Officer Kortepeter drove north on Tibbs Avenue with the aim of intercepting the truck.  When the truck entered a sharp curve in the 2300 block of Tibbs, it veered across the center line and collided with Kortepeter's car. 

Officer Kortepeter was pronounced dead on arrival at Wishard Hospital shortly after the accident at 11:08 p.m.  He had severe chest and head injuries.

The suspects, Richard Annes and Robert Ballard, were charged with robbery with a deadly weapon, reckless homicide, vehicle theft, and resisting and fleeing a police officer.

A 1961 graduate of Manual High School, Officer Kortepeter was appointed to the Police Department on September 22, 1969. He was described by his commander as a "real good, hard-working type of person." During his tenure with the Department, he received eight letters of commendation for his service.

Officer Kortepeter, who was divorced, was survived by a 13-year old son and a 10-year old daughter

Source:  The Indianapolis News, January 20 and 21, 1983