Britney Meux, 25, of Crown Point, Ind., died on the scene, according to the Lake County, Ind., coroner. Meux and three other corrections officers were jogging as part of a training exercise around 7 p.m. Tuesday near the Lake County government complex when they were struck by a vehicle on 93rd Avenue. The driver did not stop. Police are looking for a late model, dark blue SUV- possibly a GMC Sierra or Yukon. Officials found a passenger side mirror they believe belongs to the vehicle at the scene.
"Apparently one of the officers that was struck said that the vehicle did not even attempt to stop, just barreled right into the officers," Lake County Indiana Sheriff John Bunich said. "We just want to put this to rest and see what this is all about. Obviously, the individual or individuals fled for a reason that we don't know."
Delano Scaife, 22, was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital, where he remains in critical condition. He will undergo surgery Wednesday, according to the sheriff.
Latasha Johnson, 34, and David Murchek, 26, were taken to area hospitals with injuries. Murchek was treated and released. Johnson is in good condition.
Meux is a Marine Corp veteran and the mother of a 5-month-old daughter.
A cross marks the spot where Meux was killed. Her mother released balloons there during a vigil Wednesday night.
"These are the daughters you wish for, a young, bright daughter, doing all the right things, you know, you wish for those kind of daughters," Jackie Meux, mother.
"We lost one of our family last night, one of our officers and all I can say about Britney, I remember her being, she was little in stature but she was a real go getter in the department," Lake County Indiana Sheriff John Bunich said.
"She wanted to move up and be a part of our special operations response team, and she just felt in her mind that she needed to be as physically fit as she could," Corrections Officer Tracy Kimmel said.
Officials are reviewing surveillance video and asking anyone with information to call (219) 755-3333. A $10,000 reward is being offered by Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 125 and the Lake County Police Union Local 72, Correctional Officer Union Local 11, and one private donor.
