Lafayette, IN – Six Indiana State Police troopers from the Lafayette District were recognized at the 2024 Top Cop Awards on April 7, 2025, for their outstanding efforts in combating impaired driving. The event, held at the Lafayette Public Safety Center, honored officers with 20 or more Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) arrests or those with the highest totals within their departments.
Indiana State Police troopers made 328 OWI arrests in 2024, contributing to the grand total of 1,078 OWI arrests made by all participating agencies across Tippecanoe County. These numbers reflect the unwavering commitment of law enforcement officers to keeping local roads safe.
Leading the ISP honorees was Trooper Mitchell McKinney with 63 OWI arrests, followed by:
• Trooper Garrett Schroder – 29 arrests
• Trooper Brandon Howell – 26 arrests
• Trooper Gage Walters – 25 arrests
• Trooper Zach Grundell – 23 arrests
• Trooper Bradley Howell – 21 arrests
Lieutenant McKee, commander of the Lafayette District, presented the awards to the troopers.
“These troopers, along with the officers from other agencies, have done outstanding work in keeping impaired drivers off the road,” said Lt. McKee. “Their dedication to public safety makes a real difference in protecting lives across Tippecanoe County and the Lafayette District.”
The Indiana State Police commend all the officers honored at the event for their exceptional efforts in enforcing OWI laws. The department remains committed to proactive enforcement and public education to reduce impaired driving and enhance roadway safety.
A photo from the event, featuring Lt. McKee presenting the awards to the honored troopers, is included below. All ISP honorees are pictured except for Trooper McKinney, who will receive his award at a later date
