Suspect shot Deputy Pickett because 'they were going to take me to jail,' records say

Anthony Baumgardt told police that he fatally shot Boone County Deputy Jacob Pickett because the 21-year-old with a warrant out for his arrest on a theft charge didn’t want to go back to jail, court records say.

"I shot a cop,” Baumgardt told officers after his arrest Friday, record say. When asked why, Baumgardt said because “they were going to take me to jail."

Probable cause affidavits were released Tuesday shortly before charges were announced against Anthony Baumgardt and another man during a news conference at the Boone County Sheriff’s Office in Lebanon. Boone County Prosecutor Todd Meyer elaborated on the charges filed. Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter remarked on the community’s resolve. And Sheriff Mike Nielsen minced no words over the loss of the 34-year-old five-year veteran deputy, husband and father of two young children.

“I am angry. I am so angry,” Nielsen said. “I am sad, I am heartbroken, and I am devastated.”

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He thanked local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for their help in the days since the shooting and vowed to see justice served for his officers and his community.

“Jake,” Nielsen said, “you paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we will never forget your courage, your dedication, your commitment and your warrior spirit.”

Baumgardt was charged in Boone County with a felony count of murder, two felony counts of possession of methamphetamine, a felony and misdemeanor count of carrying a handgun without a license, two misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana, and a misdemeanor count of resisting law enforcement.

Who owned the 9mm handgun used to shoot Pickett was unclear.

Also charged was John D. Baldwin Jr., 28. He faces a felony charge of resisting law enforcement as well as misdemeanor charges of resisting law enforcement, leaving the scene of an accident and criminal recklessness.

Uncharged was 55-year-old John Baldwin Sr., who was with the two men but at some point fled on foot before Friday's tragedy unfolded.

According to court documents, officers from the Lebanon Police Department went to a home in the 1400 block of Yates Street Friday morning to serve an unrelated arrest warrant. While there officers noticed a silver Ford occupied by the three men.

An officer recognized Baldwin Jr., who was behind the wheel, and knew that he was wanted for arrest in Boone County for violating probation on a charge of possession of a syringe.

"Don't do it, Johnny," the officer yelled before Baldwin Jr. sped off, court records say.

Lebanon and Boone County law enforcement officers pursued the vehicle for about 10 minutes through alleys, yards and city streets, records say.

One person had to jump out of the way of the silver Ford to avoid being hit, records say.

Baldwin Jr. eventually drove the car into a grassy area near the Indian Springs apartment complex, where the vehicle struck two parked cars and Baumgardt got out of the vehicle and ran.

Deputy Pickett got out of his vehicle alongside his K-9 partner Brik to chase Baumgardt in the 700 block of Indian Springs Road. Baumgardt pulled out a 9mm handgun, turned and fired at Pickett multiple times, court documents say. Pickett was struck at least once.

Court documents make no mention of Pickett exchanging words with Baumgardt or shooting at him. Other officers shot Baumgardt.

Where Baumgardt was shot remains unclear, but his wounds were not life-threatening.

During an on-camera interview conducted in the emergency room of St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital Baumgardt said he specifically shot at Pickett because he didn't want to go back to jail, court documents say.

Investigators later determined that the Ford being driven by Baldwin Jr. was reported stolen in Marion County. Baldwin Jr. had continued to flee in the silver Ford after Baumgardt left the vehicle. Baldwin Jr. was caught a short time later on I-65.

Baumgardt is being held without bond. Baldwin Jr. is being held on a $100,000 bond on the probation violation, Meyer said, and a $250,000 cash band on the charges filed Tuesday.

Meyer said his office will move forward in determining whether to seek the death penalty against Baumgardt. There are factors to be considered: the crime committed, his criminal past, the aggravating circumstances.

“It is not something that I take lightly,” he said.

The investigation is ongoing, said Meyer, who vowed that "no stone will be left unturned."

“Anyone who is responsible in any way for the events that occurred on March 2 will be held accountable, and justice will be served for this community and for Deputy Pickett,” Meyer said.

Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at (317) 444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.