East Baton Rouge Sheriff's deputies responded quickly to a notably violent hit-and-run incident yesterday that left Baton Rouge Police Motor Division Officer, Sgt. Caleb Eisworth, critically injured. The event occurred around 11:04 a.m. near the crossroads of Joor and Prescott Road, as reported by the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office. Sgt. Eisworth, a dedicated member of the force for 23 years, was northbound on Joor Road, heading to an escort assignment, when the suspect's vehicle pursued and deliberately struck him.
Following the incident, an extensive search led law enforcement to locate the suspect's vehicle in the Monticello subdivision. They managed to apprehend the suspect, identified as Gad Black, near the 8400 block of Airline Highway by 12:30 p.m. According to the Sheriff's Office, Black is facing Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer charges, with further charges pending as the investigation furthers along.
The reaction to the attack was swift, with various officials expressing their condemnation and concern. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse, in a statement obtained by the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office website, stated, "Today's senseless act of violence against our Baton Rouge Police Officer is absolutely unacceptable." He went on to urge the Baton Rouge community "to join our Department in lifting our Officer and his family up in prayer."
Similarly, East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux expressed his outrage over the incident, emphasizing the community's need to stand united against such acts of violence. "This was a deliberate and cowardly attack on an officer—one of our community’s protectors—and it strikes at the very heart of public safety," he told the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office website. Gautreaux continued to praise the immediate response and cooperation between law enforcement agencies that led to quickly secure the suspect's arrest.
As Sgt. Eisworth fights for his life in critical condition, community leaders like Mayor-President Sid Edwards shared sentiments of support, emphasizing the constant dangers faced by law enforcement officers and extending thoughts and prayers to the injured officer's family. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office is encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact them at (225) 389-5000. With the investigation still in progress, updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
