Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Wednesday, January 19, 1983
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: January 19, 1983
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 70 years
Officer Paul Kortepeter was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by two fleeing armed robbery suspects. Officer Kortepeter was attempting to intercept and assist two state troopers and a deputy in pursuit of the suspects
The 31-year-old driver was convicted of murder and sentenced to 40 years. He received an additional 30 years for being a habitual felon. The other suspect was convicted of armed robbery. The other charges were dropped.
Officer Kortepeter had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for 13 years. He was survived by his 13-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter.