Lieutenant Thomas L. Kleis, Beech Grove Police Department, Indiana

Lieutenant Thomas L. Kleis

Beech Grove Police Department, Indiana

End of Watch Tuesday, May 28, 1991

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Thomas L. Kleis

Lieutenant Thomas Kleis was killed in an automobile crash during a high-speed chase.

He lost control of his patrol car and hit a row of trees at the 5600 block of Shelbyville Road at 3:20 am.

The juvenile who fled from the police was found guilty of reckless homicide and involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to six years.

Lieutenant Kleis was United States Vietnam War and Indiana National Guard veteran and had served with the Beech Grove Police Department for 17 years. He was survived by his wife, stepson, stepdaughter, mother, father, and two brothers.

Bio

Age 43
Tour 17 years
Badge 15
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Weapon Automobile
Offender Guilty of reckless driving

juvenile offender, vehicle crash, vehicle pursuit

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I never knew you, I never met you, but my mom Lisa Jobe Blackwell had so many stories to tell me about her dad Tom (my grandpa). I look forward to meeting you one day. Rest in peace.

Gone but not forgotten

Landon Blackwell
Grandson

January 29, 2025