Lake Charles, Louisiana – Just before 10:30 a.m. on March 7, 2024, a deputy from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a search for illegal drugs in a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 37-year-old Quinton C. Baker from Gadsden, Alabama. The search occurred during a traffic stop on I-10 near milepost 37, located between Lake Charles and Iowa, Louisiana.

This is an update to the previously published story, Calcasieu Parish Traffic Stop Escalates: Deputy Shoots Suspect after Suspect Drives Away With Deputy in Vehicle

Baker was outside the Tahoe when the deputy searched the second row. While the search was happening, Baker got into the Tahoe and drove east on I-10 with the deputy still inside. A fight broke out between the deputy and Baker, resulting in the deputy firing his gun and hitting Baker. The Tahoe then crashed into the center barrier wall before swerving across all three lanes, through a ditch, and hitting several trees before stopping.

Baker suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Lake Charles, where he was later pronounced dead. The deputy was also taken to the same hospital for treatment of injuries to the neck and back, as well as minor cuts and scrapes. 

Around two kilograms of suspected cocaine were found during the investigation. The Louisiana State Police is handling the investigation into the shooting involving the deputy. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Forensic Investigative Unit helped process the scene.