06/13/2026
Sheriff’s Deputy Stewart Baird, having completed an evening tour of duty at the Medical Detention Facility, proceeded to the place of business where his wife worked to assist her in closing the business and driving her home. As he waited, a man entered the business armed with a sawed-off rifle. The subject announced his intent to rob the establishment, ordered the cash register emptied at gunpoint, and demanded that Officer Baird and the other remaining patrons stay seated with their heads down.
Officer Baird confronted the suspect as he attempted to leave the business. During the physical altercation that ensued, Officer Baird drew his revolver and fired two shots as the robber accosted him. Although one of the bullets rendered a subsequent mortal wound to the suspect, it failed to incapacitate him immediately. The suspect attacked Officer Baird viciously, hitting him several times in the head and causing him to fall and strike his head. Officer Baird died within minutes of receiving his injuries.
The robber then fled, and on the sidewalk outside, he collapsed and subsequently died of his wounds. The suspect was identified as a parolee with a long and violent criminal history, including a previous arrest for murder. 💙
