Indiana Sheriff releases bodycam footage of stolen beer truck chase

The Nation During a chase of a stolen Bud Light beer truck, the suspect struck a Vanderburgh Ind. patrol vehicle in an attempt to avoid spike strips. (Courtesy Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office) VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — Bodycam footage has been released by the Vanderburgh County, Ind. Sheriff’s Office of a chase involving a Bud Light beer truck two weeks ago. Deputies say in a media release of the incident that they spotted a reportedly stolen beer truck, which was taken from Evansville by a suspect later identified as Randall Baker, 41, of Evansville, Ind. A report from WFSA television news stated that the original driver of the truck was unloading it when it was stolen, and had to jump out of the moving truck. The stolen semi was traveling westbound on Diamond Avenue near Resurrection Drive. Deputies say when attempting to initiate a traffic stop, Baker refused to comply, prompting 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, Baker 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 WCSO said Baker refused to exit the vehicle. Deputies were able to use pepperball rounds and Baker was taken into custody without further incident. He 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 Bruce Guthrie Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.