INDIANA POLICE OFFICER MEMORIAL


Deputy Jason M. Baker

Deputy Baker was enroute to a domestic disturbance around 7:20 in the evening. His attention was diverted by a vehicle which he attempted to investigate around 52nd and Keystone Avenue. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and Deputy Baker pursued. During the course of the pursuit the occupants of the vehicle began firing assault weapons at Deputy Baker and other pursing officers. There was so much damage to his car that he backed off, another deputy taking up the primary pursuit position.

The chase continued south until it reached the intersection of 32nd and Brouse where suspects exited their vehicle firing numerous rounds at pursuing officers. It was was this time that Deputy Baker was fatally wounded. The suspects, wearing body armor, fired many more rounds at officers during the next hours. Indianapolis Police Officer Frank Wooten, one of many officers responding, was wounded as well as two area residents.

By 7:00 AM on Tuesday, September 18th, all the primary suspects were located. Three were arrested and the fourth was found dead- next to his assault weapon. This investigation is continuing.

Deputy Baker was appointed as a Merit Deputy on June 1, 1999. He also worked as a Marion County Sheriff's Department Tele-communicator in the Communications Division from 1995 through 1996 and as a Special Deputy transporting prisoners from 1997 until his appointment as a Merit Officer. Deputy Baker is the son of Sergeant Jerry Baker, a member of the Indianapolis Division of the Indiana University Police and previously, a Marion County Reserve Deputy.


Name: JASON LAFOLLETTE
Location: INDIANAPOLIS,IN
Tribute: IN LOVING MEMORY OF JASON M. BAKER #232....JASON WE ALL MISS YOU SORRY I WASNT THERE TO SEE YOU ACTION FOR WE ALL KNOW YOU WERE DOING WHAT YOU LOVED...GUESS THERE WILL BE NO MORE SIGHTINGS OF SANTA ON CHRISTMAS AND BIRTHDAY PARTYS FOR ME TO GET ROWDY AT! HAPPY TO HAVE KNOWN YOU. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THERE IN OUR HEARTS ....232 10-42 BUT NOT FORGOTEN ....RIP
Name: Sandy Gardner
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Tribute: Dear Jason: Four years ago you went 10-42 for the last time and I still hear your laughter, see your beautiful smile and recall your infinite love for police work. I wanted you to slow down, not be so anxious to get all the bad guys in Beat 4 in one day...I said you were "just a baby". But as I watched you on the job, I saw not a baby, but a young man dedicated to his job and the people he served. I saw you develop good officer safety and a "feel" for your hood. I listened to your concerns about mistakes we've all made, and witnessed your compassion. Working with you was so much fun because no matter what, you found a reason to laugh, to add levity to whatever came your way....you kept me laughing. I will never forget your final words on the radio and the look Hal Grunden and I exchanged as we apologized & left our run and headed to 32nd & Brouse. The Marion County Sheriffs Department and law enforcement everywhere lost a son, a brother, a friend, a special young man that day. After 4 years I finally had to say thank you Jason, thank you for being you and for being my friend. Oh, and one more thing, you still put a smile on my face 'cause I know you are keeping 'em laughing in Heaven.

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