Man Admits To Shooting Boone Co. Deputy: Report

LEBANON, IN — AP News reports the Lebanon man charged with murder in the shooting death of Boone County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Pickett told detectives that he shot Pickett because he was afraid of being arrested again. Prosecutors filed murder charges Tuesday against 21-year-old Anthony Baumgardt for Pickett's death during a foot chase Friday in Lebanon, and his court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

However, Lebanon officers weren't looking for Baumgardt when the chase began, as they were looking to arrest a woman wanted on a warrant and saw another man facing an arrest warrant who fled in a stolen car. Baumgardt happened to be riding in that car, AP News reports according to court documents. Pickett and his police dog, Brik, were chasing Baumgardt after he ran away from the car. That's when Pickett was shot by Baumgardt.

AP News reports Baumgardt told a detective while he was being treated in the hospital for wounds from when other officers shot back at him, that he "shot a cop ... cause they were going to take me to jail,” a probably cause affidavit said.

On Friday morning, ISP says the officers noticed a man in the area who they knew also had an outstanding warrant aside from the woman, who they identified as 28-year-old John. D. Baldwin Jr.

Police say Baldwin Jr. and two other people drove away in a silver Ford Focus when asked to stop, which led the officers to chase the car. That's when ISP says BCSO Deputy Pickett joined the pursuit to help the other officers, before the car stopped on Indian Springs Road, and the occupants got out and ran, before the shooting.

Boone County Prosecutor Todd Meyer said he was leaning toward seeking the death penalty against Baumgardt, who also faces charges of resisting law enforcement, illegal handgun, methamphetamine and marijuana possession.

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AP News says Baumgardt's father, Robert Baumgardt, said he's more concerned about Pickett's family than his son, adding that his heart goes out to them.

According to AP News, no one else involved faces charges related to Pickett’s death, but Meyer said ownership of the handgun and the actions of other people are under investigation.

More: apnews.com

Photo credit: Indiana State Police