Officer Teresa Jean Hawkins

Teresa Jean Hawkins

Officer Teresa Hawkins was killed in a vehicle crash at East 36th Street and Emerson Avenue while she was responding to a domestic disturbance.

Officer Hawkins' squad car was struck on the driver's side door by an intoxicated driver who ran a stop sign, pushing her squad car into a utility pole. The man fled the scene on foot but was later apprehended.

The suspect pleaded guilty to felony charges of reckless homicide, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, causing death, and driving with a blood-alcohol content over the legal limit, 0.19, causing death. The 21-year-old offender was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Officer Hawkins had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for five years and was assigned to the East District. She was survived by her four brothers, four sisters, and parents.