Suspect Arrested in Boone County Deputy’s Death

JACOB PICKETT

Currently the medical staff at St. Vincent Hospital is sustaining his body functions so that Jake can continue to give life to others even after his death. This process takes time, and we pray for peace for Jake and his family.

Sheriff Nielsen met with Jen, Jacob’s wife, and the FOP Memorial Team to talk about arrangements for the service and burial. We are currently in the process of working side by side with the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Team and many others to make sure that Jake is honored and recognized for the hero and warrior that he is. This process also takes time. As soon the details are arranged we will immediately notify everyone.

On Saturday, Sheriff Nielsen also personally arrested and booked in Anthony Louis Baumgardt, 21, from Lebanon, Indiana for the following charges. Murder, Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana,  2 counts of Possession of Methamphetamine and Carrying a handgun without a license.

Sheriff Nielsen stated “Please accept my apologies for not being more prompt on my media releases and social media posts.  I hope everyone can understand that my priority is taking care of my staff, Jake’s family, and Brik who have witnessed or been part of the tragic events that unfolded the morning of March 2nd.  Today we started pre-planning for Jake’s final arrangements, crisis intervention teams, and continual officer wellness meetings.  I also created today a core team of command staff and others to assist me in planning the events for the next several days. Tonight, I will release to the public an open letter to my staff and to the citizens of this county addressing the last two days.  We will begin to post media releases and social media posts daily from this point forward.  I personally wish to thank everyone for the overwhelming support that you have shown for the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and for Jake.  I also want to thank my fellow brothers and sisters in public safety that have come forward to assist us in our day to day operations so that we can still maintain civility in the county.  Please continue to pray for strength and guidance as we face a very hard week ahead.”