An Evansville man has been arrested on an attempted murder charge after striking a deputy’s vehicle with a stolen beer truck.
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a stolen beer truck originating out of Evansville at about 3:07 p.m. Friday.
Deputies located the stolen semi traveling westbound on Diamond Avenue near Resurrection dr. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver refused to comply, leading deputies on a pursuit that continued into Posey County.
During the pursuit, a deputy exited his patrol vehicle in an attempt to deploy stop sticks. At that time, the suspect steered the semi toward the deputy and struck a sheriff’s patrol vehicle.
The collision caused extensive damage to the patrol unit and resulted in the semi leaving the roadway and coming to rest in a field. The deputy was not struck by the semi and was not injured.
After the crash, the suspect refused to exit the vehicle. Deputies were able to use pepperball rounds and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect has been identified as Randall Baker, age 41, of Evansville.
Baker was transported to Deaconess Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the crash.
Baker is currently facing the following preliminary charges:
- Attempted Murder
- Auto Theft
- Criminal Recklessness
- Resisting Law Enforcement
- Reckless Operation of a Tractor Trailer
- Operating While Intoxicated
This incident remains under investigation.
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