Troopers’ Quick Actions Save Life of Teen at State Fair

One of the Troopers serves the Versailles District.

Trooper (Detective) Vincent Scott and Trooper Ryan Hale. Photos provided.

INDIANAPOLIS - On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the quick actions of Indiana State Troopers at the Indiana State Fair saved the life of a choking teenage girl.

Trooper (Detective) Vincent Scott, ISP-Versailles District and Trooper Ryan Hale, ISP-Fort Wayne District, were shift partners assigned to uniformed foot patrol on the midway at the Indiana State Fair. 

At approximately 9:20 pm on Saturday, Trooper Scott observed a 14-year-old female take a drink from a lemon shakeup.  He saw that the girl immediately began struggling and grabbing her throat, indicating she was choking and not able to breathe.  Trooper Scott immediately went to assist.  He performed abdominal thrusts, commonly referred to the “Heimlich Maneuver”.  After giving approximately three thrusts, an object lodged in the juvenile’s throat was dislodged and she was immediately able to breathe.  

While Trp. Scott was tending to the victim, Trp. Hale radioed for on-site EMS to respond to the scene to further treat her.  She was then transported to the medical facilities on the fairgrounds property to be monitored.  The latest information indicated that she would make a full recovery without any lasting effects. 

The quick actions of Trp. Scott and Trp. Hale undoubtedly saved the child from further injury and/or death.

Trooper Scott has served with the Indiana State Police for over five years while Trooper Hale has served nearly two years with ISP.