TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)—UPDATE: According to Sargeant Justin Sears, the juvenile that was airlifted has been pronounced dead.
A Terre Haute juvenile is in an Indianapolis hospital with life-threatening injuries after being provided with a substance by a 28-year-old Terre Haute man.
According to the Terre Haute Police Department, on December 1st, 2024, at approximately 3:50 PM, the Terre Haute Police Department and Terre Haute Fire Department responded to the area of North 19th Street and Beech Street for a report of an unknown problem, with at least one individual incapacitated.
Police noted that when responders arrived they found a juvenile who was unconscious. Terre Haute Fire Department personnel immediately initiated life-saving measures and transported the juvenile to a local hospital for further treatment. According to police, the juvenile was subsequently airlifted to an Indianapolis-area hospital, where they are being treated for life-threatening injuries.
Officers also discovered a second individual, identified as Michael E. Baker, 28, of Terre Haute, unresponsive near his RV. Baker received medical attention and was also airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital for further care, according to police.
The Terre Haute Police Department Detectives took over the investigation. According to the detectives, through interviews, evidence collection, and processing, it was determined that Baker allegedly provided a substance for the juvenile to consume, which he also consumed himself.
Police also found that Baker was in possession of an altered firearm. Following his recovery and medical clearance, Baker was arrested and preliminarily charged with:
- Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
- Possession of an Altered Weapon
These charges are felonies, and the investigation remains ongoing and information will be released as permitted.
