Further investigation by Indiana State Police Detectives of the Putnamville State Police Post has revealed additional details concerning the death of a West Terre Haute man while in custody.
On June 28, a Department of Natural Resource Conservation Officer and the West Terre Haute Police Department were working a detail in the river bottoms of West Terre Haute in reference to criminal activity reported in the area. During the course of the detail, they came into contact with Shane Hedden, 48, of West Terre Haute. Hedden was riding an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) and was approached by the conservation officer who was also on an ATV. The Conservation Officer dismounted his ATV and identified himself as law enforcement, ordering Hedden off his ATV. Hedden disregarded the commands and attempted to evade the oofficer, driving away, dragging the officer approximately ten yards. West Terre Haute officers then located Hedden hiding within the brush an additional 150 yards from the conservation officer, taking him into custody.
While in custody, Hedden began to complain of chest pain and collapsed. Officers immediately started lifesaving first-aid and CPR. Hedden was then transported to a local hospital in Terre Haute where the hospital medical staff pronounced him deceased.
An autopsy was performed at Regional Hospital. Preliminary findings from the autopsy indicate that Hedden did not die from trauma. Toxicology and pathologist reports are still pending and once the results are received, the official cause of death will be released by the Vigo County Coroner's Office.
This investigation is ongoing.
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