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BATON ROUGE, La. (BFMG) — Sgt. Caleb Eisworth, a veteran of the Baton Rouge Police Department known for his dedication to service and his 18 years in the Motors Division, has died following a brutal, targeted hit-and-run that shook the city in June. His “End of Watch” comes after weeks of fighting for his life in the hospital, a battle that captured the hearts of the Baton Rouge community and law enforcement officers across the nation.
According to updates provided to Unfiltered with Kiran, Sgt. Eisworth sustained catastrophic injuries on June 16, when authorities say a driver intentionally struck him with a truck while he was on duty. The crash happened shortly after 11 a.m. at Prescott and Joor Roads as Eisworth was en route to a work-related escort assignment.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office alleges that the suspect, identified as Gad Black, followed Eisworth before ramming into his police motorcycle and fleeing. Black was arrested less than two hours later in the Monticello neighborhood and charged with attempted first-degree murder of a police officer. More charges are expected.
In the immediate aftermath, Sgt. Eisworth was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in critical condition, suffering broken bones, internal injuries, and severe trauma to his legs. On June 18, Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse publicly described him as a “tremendous officer” and “a husband, father, and friend that’s deeply loved and respected.”
Weeks in the Fight of His Life
In the days following the attack, Eisworth underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of his right foot on July 3 and, later, the amputation of both legs above the knee on July 9. Doctors reported that his vitals improved “almost immediately” after the latter surgery, offering cautious optimism for recovery.
Through each update, his family expressed gratitude to the community for their support and described Eisworth as a fighter who was battling “each and every minute of the day” to heal.
“The outpouring of love, assistance, words of encouragement, and prayers have been felt from the moment that evil attempted to destroy our world,” the family said in a statement shared by Unfiltered with Kiran.
Fundraisers, blood drives, and vigils were held across Baton Rouge, drawing hundreds of residents and fellow officers. Mayor-President Sid Edwards, Chief Morse, and Sheriff Sid Gautreaux all visited Eisworth in the hospital and called for continued prayers.
A Targeted Act That Shook the City
Authorities have called the attack “deliberate and cowardly,” emphasizing that it targeted not just an officer, but the safety of the entire community.
“This was a deliberate and cowardly attack on an officer—one of our community’s protectors—and it strikes at the very heart of public safety,” Sheriff Gautreaux said. “We are outraged by this senseless act of violence and fully committed to ensuring the individual responsible is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Mayor-President Edwards echoed those sentiments: “Today’s senseless act of violence against our Baton Rouge Police Officer is absolutely unacceptable. This behavior against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated.”
Remembering Sgt. Eisworth
Sgt. Eisworth joined BRPD more than two decades ago, earning a reputation as a skilled officer, a mentor to younger colleagues, and a constant presence in the community he served. For the last 18 years, he worked in the Motors Division, where colleagues say he took pride in precision, discipline, and the camaraderie of the unit.
Chief Morse, who has often spoken about the dangers his officers face daily, said Eisworth embodied the values of the department.
“Making it home after each shift is what I pray over every one of my officers each day,” Morse said. “Caleb didn’t do anything to deserve what happened to him. He served this community with honor, and it’s our job to ensure his sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Community in Mourning
The Baton Rouge Police Department will announce funeral arrangements for Sgt. Eisworth in the coming days. In the meantime, flags will fly at half-staff at police facilities across the city, and officers will wear mourning bands in his honor.
His family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to organizations supporting first responders injured in the line of duty.
“When you see one of our First Responder family members throughout your day, regardless of the uniform they wear, please say a prayer for them to be safe and please thank them,” the family said.
Sgt. Caleb Eisworth leaves behind his wife, children, extended family, and an entire city that rallied behind him in his final fight.
For Baton Rouge, his end of watch marks not just the loss of an officer, but of a neighbor, protector, and friend.
