Indiana State Police, Indiana
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 6, 1982
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 7 years, 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: July 6, 1982
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Arrested
Trooper Robert Lather was killed when his cruiser was struck by a car that he and a Howard County deputy were trying to stop.
The deputy had called for assistance in stopping the vehicle, which was traveling at over 95 mph. Trooper Lather was in front of the vehicle attempting to slow it when the car struck the rear of his cruiser, causing it to crash.
The 17-year-old driver was arrested and charged with manslaughter and several traffic violations including drunk driving.
Trooper Lather, who had beaten cancer twice, had served with the Indiana State Police for 7½ years and was assigned to the Peru post. He was survived by his wife, 2-year-old son, and 6-month-old daughter.