INDIANA (LOOTPRESS) – A high-speed pursuit involving a stolen beer truck in southern Indiana escalated into a dangerous confrontation with law enforcement Friday afternoon, leaving a suspect facing multiple serious charges, including attempted murder.
According to authorities, the incident began around 3:07 p.m. on March 27, 2026, when deputies received information about a stolen semi-truck originating out of Evansville.
Deputies soon located the vehicle traveling westbound on Diamond Avenue near Resurrection Drive.
When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, leading deputies on a pursuit that stretched into neighboring Posey County.
During the chase, the situation intensified when a deputy exited his patrol vehicle to deploy stop sticks in an effort to disable the fleeing truck.
Investigators say the suspect then steered the semi toward the deputy and struck a sheriff’s patrol vehicle.
The impact caused extensive damage to the cruiser and forced the semi off the roadway, where it came to rest in a nearby field.
The deputy was not struck and did not suffer any injuries.
After the crash, the driver reportedly refused to exit the vehicle, prompting deputies to deploy pepperball rounds.
The suspect was ultimately taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities identified the suspect as 41-year-old Randall Baker of Evansville. He was transported to Deaconess Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the crash.
Baker now faces several preliminary charges, including attempted murder, auto theft, criminal recklessness, resisting law enforcement, reckless operation of a tractor-trailer, and operating while intoxicated.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing.
