A St. Elmo resident has admitted to multiple charges in federal court after shooting at federal agents serving an arrest warrant at his home in Fayette County. Dax Baldrige, 47, pleaded guilty to seven counts of assaulting a federal officer, two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
"Serving warrants is a dangerous job for law enforcement officers, but each show up with courage in order to protect our communities from known offenders," said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. She expressed relief that the officers were unharmed and emphasized that Baldrige will face legal consequences.
The incident occurred on October 17, 2022, when members of the U.S. Marshals Service attempted to serve an arrest warrant at Baldrige's residence. Baldrige responded by firing multiple shots with a rifle at the officers.
"This case illuminates the inherently dangerous job our Deputy U.S. Marshals, Task Force Officers, and law enforcement face every day," stated David Davis, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois. He appreciated the cooperation among agencies involved in the arrest and noted satisfaction with Baldrige's guilty plea.
Following a 10-hour standoff with police, Baldrige was taken into custody without any injuries reported.
"ATF is grateful for the dedication of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s office in pushing through this case to bring to justice this individual," said Bernard Hansen, Special Agent in Charge at ATF's Kansas City Field Division.
Baldrige's sentencing is set for July 9, 2025.
"Being in law enforcement is one of the most dangerous jobs anyone can do and we will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office so that people like Baldrige who attack officers are brought to justice," commented ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
The investigation saw contributions from several agencies including the U.S. Marshal Service Great Lakes Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Illinois State Police (ISP), and Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Arshi is leading prosecution efforts on this case.