Deputy Sheriff Terry L. Baker

Terry L. Baker

Deputy Terry Baker was shot and killed while responding to a robbery-in-progress call at a local store. Deputy Baker was off duty and not in uniform while working a part-time job when he responded while eating at a nearby restaurant.

When he walked into the store, it appeared to be vacant and as he was going to exit the rear of the building, his radio ''squelch-tailed.'' At that time one of the robbers confronted Deputy Baker and shot him in the head at close range.

When Deputy Gerald Morris, who was also off duty but working a security job in uniform, arrived at the front door of the store in a marked security car, he was confronted by the two robbery suspects and a gunbattle ensued. Deputy Morris wounded one of the suspects before retreating to his car to request backup. The second suspect exited the store and exchanged gunfire with Deputy Morris, resulting in both being fatally wounded.

The wounded suspect fled the scene, but was later apprehended out of state and sentenced to life in prison.

Deputy Baker had served with the Marion County Sheriff's Department for over 4½ years. He was survived by his wife and son.