‘Peaceful’ ending after man pulls gun on Wayne County deputies, fires shots in the road

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. — The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said an armed encounter ended peacefully this week after an armed man fired shots while standing in the middle of the road.

Deputies were called Tuesday evening to the intersection of Whitewater and Gifford roads for a man who was reportedly intoxicated and belligerent. Upon arrival, they located a man trying to push his vehicle out of the roadway.

Officials soon made contact with the man, identified as 53-year-old Michael Baker, and he reportedly “refused multiple commands” to take his hands out of his pockets or identify himself. As additional deputies arrived, Baker reportedly kept trying to walk away from the scene.

At some point during the encounter, officials said Baker pulled out a handgun and continued to hold on to it despite repeated commands to drop it.

“He made several statements suggesting he wanted deputies to use deadly force against him,” Chief Deputy Alan Moore said. “Despite the escalating danger, deputies showed restraint and continued to issue verbal commands while maintaining cover.”

Deputies said that, at one point, Baker fired two rounds from his handgun in the opposite direction of where they were standing. After “continued communication,” he reportedly put the gun on the ground.

“When Baker began advancing toward deputies while shouting for them to tase him, deputies tackled Baker and took him to the ground,” a news release reads. “Deputies then took him into custody without injury to anyone involved.”

Baker was then arrested and booked into the Wayne County Jail on the following charges:

• Resisting Law Enforcement – Level 6 Felony
• Criminal Recklessness – Class B Misdemeanor
• Public Intoxication – Class B Misdemeanor

Once at the jail, Baker reportedly became combative with staff. Sheriff Randy Retter commended the deputies and jail staff in a news release sent Thursday, thanking them for their “professionalism and restraint.”

“This was a volatile and potentially deadly situation,” Retter said. “The responding deputies demonstrated exceptional judgement, patience and courage under pressure—resolving it without anyone being harmed.”

The sheriff’s release ended by reminding residents that help is available for anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. Anyone in need of immediate support can call or text 988 to reach a 24/7 crisis line.

For a list of more resources available to Hoosiers, click here.