BATON ROUGE — A Baton Rouge Police officer is showing more signs of improvement after an “intentional, targeted hit” last month.
The latest update released on July 9 said that doctors have amputated both of Sgt. Caleb Eisworth’s legs above the knee. The update says that “almost immediately,” his vitals improved to their best levels since he was rushed to the hospital.
“Doctors are cautiously optimistic that this was the hurdle that will allow Sgt. Eisworth to recover,” the update reads.
The previous update released on July 3 shared that his right foot needed to be amputated, which was done that morning. The amputation was successful but the officer’s condition remained critical, yet stable, at that time, the statement read.
Eisworth remains intubated at this time to give his body the ability to heal, but he is still seeing daily improvements.
“There is no timetable for a recovery like this, however Sgt. Eisworth continues to fight each and every day to heal, and the doctors and staff at OLOL have given him and continue to give him the best care possible.”
The crash occurred after 11 a.m. on Monday, June 16, at Prescott and Joor Roads, near Greenwell Springs. Northbound Greenwell Springs was shut down as officials responded to investigate the scene, and a large perimeter was established.
In previous statements, Eisworth’s family has thanked the community for its love and support through all the benefits and the many prayers and well wishes expressed.
“The outpouring of love, assistance, words of encouragement, and prayers have been felt from the moment that evil attempted to destroy our world.”
Sgt. Eisworth’s family said he is a fighter and fighting “each and every minute of the day.” They ask for continued prayers and thoughts as his journey to recovery is still a long one.
“Caleb’s injuries are severe and he is still in critical condition, but he continues to fight and each day is filled with little wins that add up,” the family wrote a week ago.
The family also expressed gratitude for the comradery of BRPD and Chief TJ Morse Jr., the visits from and prayers of Mayor Sid Edwards, and the care team and staff of Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. In addition, Eisworth’s family reiterated how grateful to the community they are.
MORE BENEFITS ANNOUNCED TO HELP SGT. EISWORTH
“To Baton Rouge and all the surrounding communities, thank you for the love and support during this difficult time. The overwhelming response at the fundraiser and blood drive today was amazing to see and truly reminds us that we are all ONE community,” their statement read.
On Wednesday, June 18th, Baton Rouge Police Chief Morse posted a video message on social media to update the public on Sgt. Eisworth’s condition and send a message of hope to the community.
Morse called Sgt. Eisworth a “tremendous officer,” adding that he has been in the Motors division for 18 years of his service.
“More than that, he’s a husband, father, and friend that’s deeply loved and respected. He didn’t do anything to deserve what’s happened to him,” Morse continued.
Morse and other officers have visited Eisworth in the hospital.
“We’re praying that Caleb has a recovery that’s as speedy as possible considering the seriousness of his injuries and that those involved see the justice that they deserve.”
Morse praised the public’s reaction to the incident and asked that they continue to support law enforcement officers, including just by giving them a “smile, wave, nod, or a simple thank you.”
Sgt. Eisworth’s family also echoed this sentiment in their statement to the public: “When you see one 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.”
“Let’s continue to keep Sgt. Eisworth, his family, and our entire Baton Rouge Police Department family in your prayers,” Morse requested in his video message.
The hit & run crash
Sgt. Eisworth was on his way to a work-related escort assignment on his motorcycle and was headed north on Joor Rd. near the Prescott intersection. That’s when EBRSO says Gad Black allegedly followed the officer for a short distance before “striking him with his truck and fleeing the area.”
The officer was transported in very serious condition via ambulance, escorted by multiple police officers. He did undergo surgery. He has a broken arm, ribs and other broken bones along with multiple, serious injuries.
EBRSO deputies picked up Black in the Monticello neighborhood, specifically in the 8400 block of Airline Hwy. around 12:30 p.m. He is now charged with attempted first-degree murder of a police officer and additional charges may be pending.
The alleged suspect made a Facebook post on June 16 after 11 a.m. that read, “Check Him Out on Joor Rd. Stretched One.”
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the crash.
“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. Sgt. Eisworth is a dedicated public servant who has spent over two decades protecting this city, and he was targeted while simply doing his job. 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,” said EBRSO Sheriff Sid Gautreaux.
“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 and will result in the highest appropriate criminal charges and enforcement,” said Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse. “Thank you to the citizens of Baton Rouge that cried out for help, calling 911 on behalf of Officer Eisworth after witnessing him being targeted and attacked while simply doing his job, proudly serving our community.”
“Today’s incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day in the line of duty to protect and serve our community. Our administration is keeping the injured officer, his family, and the entire BRPD family in our thoughts and prayers,” said Mayor-President Sid Edwards.
“With a heavy heart, I’m calling on all of Baton Rouge to join our Department in lifting our Officer and his family up in prayer, as he needs and deserves each and every one. Our entire department is rallying behind his health at this time,” added the chief. “Making it home after each shift is what I pray over every one of my Officers each day. I’m asking everyone to join me in that prayer now. Let’s fervently pray Officer Eisworth back home to his loved ones.”
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