INDIANAPOLIS -- One of the first things Anthony Baumgardt said to police while he was being questioned at the hospital following the alleged shooting death of Boone County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Pickett was "I shot a cop," according to newly released details in probable cause documents.
When asked why he did it, Baumgardt said "cause they were going to take me to jail," according to the PC.
Formal charges were filed Baumgardt, 21, on Tuesday.
He is facing the following charges:
- Murder
- Possession of methamphetamine (2 counts)
- Carrying a handgun with a prior conviction
- Carrying a handgun without a license
- Resisting law enforcement
- Possession of marijuana (2 counts)
At a press conference Tuesday, Boone County Prosecutor Todd Meyer spoke about whether he will be seeking the death penalty against Baumgardt:
The events leading to 34-year-old Deputy Pickett's death began at 9:32 a.m. the morning of March 2 when Lebanon police officers went to 1402 Yates Street for the purpose of serving an unrelated warrant. The following information comes from the PC documents filed Tuesday:
While on scene, officers found John Baldwin, Jr., 28, John Baldwin, Sr., and Anthony Baumgardt in a Ford vehicle. Baldwin Jr. was driving and Baumgardt was the passenger in the front seat. Baldwin, Sr. was in the back seat.
An officer who responded recognized Baldwin, Jr. and knew him to have an active Boone County warrant. As he approached the vehicle, he yelled out "Don't do it, Johnny" before Baldwin, Jr. drove the vehicle away suddenly from the location.
Lebanon officers chased the vehicle for 10 minutes, leading officers through alleys, yards and other streets. At one point, an unidentified man had to jump out of the way of the vehicle in the area of the Lebanon IGA grocery store.
Baldwin, Jr. eventually drove the vehicle into a grassy area next to apartments on the southwest side of the Indiana Springs apartment complex. It was at this time that Baumgardt exited the vehicle, according to the PC.
Baldwin, Jr. struck two vehicles in an adjacent parking lot before speeding off to continue the vehicle chase.
Boone County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Pickett then exited his marked vehicle being used in the pursuit to chase Baumgardt on foot. Pickett had his K-9, Brik, with him.
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During the foot pursuit, Baumgardt presented a 9mm handgun, turned and fired shots at Deputy Pickett, according to the PC. The deputy was struck by at least one bullet, which ultimately caused his death.
After he fired at Deputy Pickett, Baumgardt was shot by a Lebanon Police Department officer.
Baumgardt evaded other officers for a short time before being apprehended by several law enforcement officials from both the Boone County Sheriff's Office and the Lebanon Police Department.
Baldwin, Jr. led police on the chase to I-65, where he, too, was later apprehended. The vehicle he was driving was reported stolen out of Marion County.
Baldwin, Sr. fled the vehicle sometime before the vehicle came to a stop when Baumgardt fled on foot, according to the Boone County Prosecutor's Office. Any charges against Baldwin, Sr. have not yet been announced.
Upon searching Baumgardt's belongings at the hospital, police found suspected marijuana, suspected methamphetamine and a sim card.
READ | Deputy Jacob Pickett fatally wounded duringpursuit | Photos: Cruiser memorial for Deputy Pickett
Once he was treated at the hospital, Baumgardt was taken to the Boone County Jail and later transferred to Hamilton County "for safe keeping." Suspects accused of shooting officers are typically moved from the county where the shootings took place.
Baumgardt is scheduled to have his initial hearing Wednesday at 1 p.m. His previous criminal history includes a conviction of possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. Baumgardt is being held on no bond.
The second suspect, John Baldwin, Jr., was charged with resisting law enforcement (2 counts), leaving the scene of an accident and criminal recklessness. He is being held on $200,000 bond.
A court date has not been set for John Baldwin, Jr.
Prosecutor Meyer said the Indiana State Police will be taking over the investigation due to the circumstances of the crimes and due to the fact that a Lebanon Police Department officer returned fire on Baumgardt.
“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.
READ | Sheriff Nielsen arrests man accused of fatally shooting Deputy Pickett | What led to the fatal shooting of Deputy Jacob Pickett? | Deputy Pickett's cruiser memorialized in front of Boone County Sheriff's Office
WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE WITH BOONE COUNTY PROSECUTOR AND BOONE COUNTY SHERIFF BELOW:
