EVANSVILLE, IN — A local man’s attempt to throw the world’s most poorly planned tailgate party ended in a cloud of pepper spray and a face-full of field on Friday afternoon.
Authorities say Randall Baker, 41, of Evansville, decided that “last call” was merely a suggestion when he allegedly liberated a semi-truck full of beer and took it on a high-speed, sudsy tour of the Tri-State area.
A “Brew-tally” Short Pursuit
The chaos began around 3:07 p.m. when deputies received a tip about a missing beer truck. Apparently, a massive tractor-trailer filled with liquid gold is surprisingly hard to hide. Deputies spotted the rogue “Party Wagon” chugging westbound on Diamond Avenue.
When lights and sirens signaled for Baker to pull over, he reportedly decided to “tap out” of the traffic stop instead. What followed was a low-speed, high-stakes pursuit that crossed the county line into Posey County, proving that when it comes to fleeing the law, some people prefer a full-bodied getaway.
Stop Sticks and “Near-Misses”
The chase turned from a comedy to a thriller when a deputy tried to deploy stop sticks. According to Sheriff Noah Robinson’s office, Baker allegedly steered the massive rig directly toward the deputy, opting to use his stolen semi as a very large, very expensive bumper car.
The truck missed the deputy but absolutely leveled a patrol unit, dealing “extensive damage” to the cruiser. The collision finally sent the beer truck—and Baker’s weekend plans—careening off the road and into a muddy field.
The “Spicy” Finale
Even after the crash, Baker reportedly refused to leave the cab of the truck, perhaps hoping that if he stayed inside long enough, the deputies would eventually just get thirsty and go home.
Deputies, however, were not in the mood for a cold one. They deployed pepperball rounds, turning the cab into a spicy sauna. Baker was taken into custody “without further incident,” presumably while sneezing.
The Morning After
Baker was treated for minor injuries at Deaconess Hospital before being handed a “flight” of preliminary charges that no one wants to sample:
Attempted Murder (for the run-in with the deputy)
Auto Theft (the “borrowed” beer truck)
Operating While Intoxicated (because of course)
Resisting Law Enforcement
Reckless Operation of a Tractor-Trailer
The incident remains under investigation, but one thing is clear: next time Mr. Baker wants a cold beer, he might want to try the gas station like everyone else.
