Gainesville Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Monday, February 12, 2001
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 467
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: February 12, 2001
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Not available
Police Officer Scott Baird was killed after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to move an obstruction from a roadway in the early morning hours.
The obstruction was a 200-pound batting cage that had been placed in the road behind a high school as a prank. Officer Baird was struck by the cage after the cage was hit by a vehicle.
Officer Baird had served with the Gainesville Police Department for two years. He had recently been named "Most Popular Officer" by local businesses.