Prosecuting Attorney Todd J. Meyer announced Tuesday that his office filed a six count information against Anthony Baumgardt related to the police officer shooting that occurred the morning of March 2, 2018 in Lebanon that claimed the life of Deputy Sheriff Jacob Pickett. The Prosecutor’s Office also filed charges against John D. Baldwin Jr. and John D. Baldwin Sr. who were also involved in the incident.
These charges arise out of a joint investigation conducted by the Indiana State Police, the Boone County Sheriff’s Department and the Lebanon Police Department, along with assistance from multiple other Boone County and Federal and State agencies. The Indiana State Police have taken over the investigation given the circumstances involving the sheriff deputy’s death and given that a member of the Lebanon Police Department returned fire on Baumgardt.
The incident leading up to the shooting began when police officers from the Lebanon Police Department were attempting to serve an outstanding warrant on Yates Street, in Lebanon on a female suspect. At 9:32 a.m. the officers noticed a male subject in the area who they visually identified as 28 year old John D. Baldwin Jr. Baldwin Jr. was known to have an outstanding warrant as well. When ordered to stop Baldwin Jr. and two other people got into a silver Ford and fled the scene. The officers began to chase the vehicle as it fled through the streets of Lebanon. A deputy from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit to assist the officers. At approximately 9:39 a.m. the vehicle came to a stop on Indian Springs Road and one of the occupants fled on foot. While chasing that suspect the Boone County Deputy was shot. The officer shot was Deputy Jacob Pickett. Deputy Pickett later died at St. Vincent Hospital from the gunshot wound he suffered. One suspect, 21 year old Anthony Baumgardt of Lebanon was wounded by officers when they returned fire. Another occupant of the vehicle, 55 year old John Baldwin Sr. fled on foot prior to the other suspects’ arrival at Indiana Springs Apartments. Baldwin Jr., the driver, continued his flight in the silver Ford. He was later apprehended by officers on I-65 after another pursuit.
The criminal information filed by Prosecutor Meyer charges Baumgardt with the following crimes:
Murder, a Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 5 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony
Carrying a Handgun without a License, a Level 5 Felony
Carrying a Handgun without a License, a Class A Misdemeanor
Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Marijuana, a Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor
“This has been one of the most difficult events of my career” said Prosecutor Meyer. “Officer Pickett was a tremendous person and an outstanding police officer who wanted nothing but the best for his community. He was a pleasure to work with and he will be deeply missed. I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy to Deputy Pickett’s wife and children and the other members of his family, as well as the entire Boone County law enforcement community – they are all in my thoughts and prayers,” said Meyer.
The criminal information filed by the Prosecutor’s Office against John Baldwin Jr. charges him with the following crimes:
Resisting Law Enforcement, a Level 6 Felony
Auto Theft, a Level 6 Felony
Leaving the Scene of an Accident, a Class B Misdemeanor
Criminal Recklessness, a Class B Misdemeanor
Habitual Felony Offender,
Meyer stated: “Based on Baldwin Jr.’s past criminal convictions he is a Habitual Felony Offender and has been charged with that offense.”
Prosecutor Meyer commented that: “At this point it is important to stress that this remains an active and ongoing investigation and as we continue to learn more about the events leading up to, during and after the deadly shooting, I anticipate that additional charges may be filed. The investigators working this case are following up on many matters that may impact certain individuals and their association with the situation that resulted in Deputy Pickett’s death.” Meyer went on to state: “The investigators and I are committed to prosecuting the individuals involved in this case, in whatever way they were involved, to the fullest extent of the law. That said, we will leave no stone unturned and anyone associated with the events that contributed to Deputy Pickett’s death will be held accountable.” Finally, Meyer stated: “As the facts in the probable cause affidavit charging Baumgardt with Murder set forth, the person alleged to be responsible for pulling the trigger on the gun that killed Deputy Pickett has been charged and is in police custody.”
Prosecutor Meyer went on to state: “At this time my office will continue to review the evidence in this case to determine what, if any, additional charges are warranted for filing against anyone related to this situation. In addition, my office will now begin the process of reviewing the case against Baumgardt for purposes of seeking the death penalty. In Indiana, the State may request
imposition of the death sentence in any case that involves the murder of a police officer killed in the line of duty. This is a decision that I do not take lightly and it will be made in due course after a thorough review of the evidence, the character of the offender and his criminal background, along with several other factors. As stated, my final decision on whether to file for the death penalty will take time, but I can say this – based on the facts and circumstances as I understand them today, that is the direction I am leaning and as soon as I have made that decision, I will update the public in that regard.”
This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone who believes they may have information related to this investigation should call the Indiana State Police at (317) 899-8508.