POLICE SHOOTER, ROARK, GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS

This is in connection with the November 2019 incident.

                                                 (JCJ)

 A Madison man who fired shots at a police officer, seriously injuring him, has been found guilty on all charges by a jury trial that concluded today in Jefferson Circuit Court.

Wade D. Roark, 61, faced charges of Level 1 felony attempted murder, Level 3 felony aggravated battery, Level 5 felony battery with a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness in connection with the November 2019 incident.

Jefferson County Prosecutor David R. Sutter said, “We are pleased with the outcome at the conclusion of this trial and that justice was served for Trooper Joseph Livers and his family. As always, we commend our law enforcement professionals, like Trooper Livers, who put their lives at risk for the safety and security of others on a daily basis.” 

Indiana State Police Officer Joseph Livers was shot in the left leg with the bullet lodging in his right knee during Roark’s standoff with police. Medical professionals said the bullet narrowly missed striking an artery. Livers underwent surgery and still suffers from pain and infection from the injury.

Following the guilty verdict, Prosecutor Sutter expressed appreciation for the professionals that worked on the case and the witnesses that testified on behalf of the state.  “We would specifically like to thank and acknowledge lead Detective Brent Miller, Dr. Roy Miner, the ISP Swat Team, ISP Crime Scene Investigator Martin Mead, Deputy Ryan Harrison with the Switzerland County Sheriff's Department, ISP Hostage Negotiators, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, the City of Madison Police Department, and King's Daughters' Hospital Emergency Personnel,”  said Sutter.

The incident began in the early morning hours of Nov. 23, 2019, when police were alerted to family members locked in an upstairs bedroom at 8273 East State Road 56 with a shooter, identified as Roark, in the basement. According to the probable cause affidavit, police were told Roark had a handgun and had fired into the upper level of the home.

A man came out of the home’s front door and told where the other family members were. Madison Police Department officers made contact with them. They moved to a door that had outside access. Police kicked in the door, allowing a woman, man and three children to safely exit.

Roark refused officers’ commands to exit the basement and threatened to kill a male subject along with unspecified Hispanic men. Roark said he believed the DEA and Mexican drug cartel were after him and told police he had been awake for three days. Toxicology results demonstrated that Roark had methamphetamine in his system at the time of the offense.

Roark fired his weapon multiple times with several rounds penetrating the first floor. After daybreak, he fired at Trooper Livers. ISP troopers returned fire and Roark surrendered shortly thereafter. He was taken into custody.

During his interview with police, Roark admitted he knew there were people inside the home when he began shooting. He said he shot at Trooper Livers after seeing a human leg outside the basement window, but denied knowing he was shooting at a police officer.

“This was an extremely dangerous and volatile situation with many human lives in jeopardy,” said Prosecutor Sutter. “I commend those inside the residence for remaining calm and following officers’ instructions. All the law enforcement officers involved acted very professionally in a highly stressful situation.”

Roark was convicted on all counts, including Attempted Murder as a Level 1 felony, Aggravated Battery as a Level 3 felony, Battery as a Level 5 felony, and Criminal Recklessness as a Level 5 felony.  He is facing up to 46 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.  A sentencing hearing has been set for November 29 at 2:30 p.m.