BATON ROUGE, LA — The city of Baton Rouge is cloaked in sorrow as it mourns the loss of Sergeant Caleb Eisworth, a revered 23-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD), whose life was tragically cut short on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Sgt. Eisworth, a beacon of courage and dedication, succumbed to critical injuries sustained in a deliberate and heinous attack on June 16, when a suspect intentionally rammed his pickup truck into the officer’s police motorcycle. The incident, described by authorities as a “deliberate and cowardly” act, left the community reeling and sparked an outpouring of support that continued until his final moments.
The fateful morning of June 16 began like any other for Sgt. Eisworth, a 44-year-old motors officer known for his professionalism and quiet strength. At approximately 11 a.m., while traveling northbound on Joor Road en route to a funeral procession escort, he was targeted by 41-year-old Gad Black. Authorities report that Black, who admitted to harboring a deep hatred for law enforcement, followed Eisworth before slamming his 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 into the officer’s motorcycle at high speed. The impact was catastrophic—Eisworth was knocked off his bike and dragged nearly 500 feet beneath the vehicle, sustaining devastating injuries. Black fled the scene, later bragging about the attack on social media with chilling posts such as “Check Him Out on Joor Rd. Stretched One.” His alleged accomplice, 40-year-old Asia Raby, was also arrested for obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact, accused of hiding the damaged truck to evade authorities.
Sgt. Eisworth was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, where medical teams fought tirelessly to save him. Despite their efforts, the severity of his injuries required the amputation of both legs, and he remained in critical condition for nearly two months. Throughout this harrowing ordeal, Eisworth’s resilience shone through, offering fleeting hope to his family, friends, and the community rallying behind him. Fundraisers, including a benefit concert at a downtown bar and a GoFundMe campaign named “CalebStrong,” raised funds to support his wife, Darla, and their 12-year-old daughter. The community’s response was overwhelming, with local leaders, residents, and fellow law enforcement agencies offering prayers and tributes to a man who embodied heroism.
Tragically, after seven weeks of battling against insurmountable odds, Sgt. Eisworth passed away surrounded by loved ones. “It is with profound sadness that I must share that our beloved Motors Officer, Sgt. Caleb Eisworth, died moments ago,” said Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas “TJ” Morse. “Caleb was an amazing officer and a good man. He spent seven weeks fighting hard to overcome his injuries, but ultimately lost his battle today.”
Sgt. Eisworth’s career was marked by extraordinary bravery and service. A recipient of the BRPD’s Medal of Valor—the department’s highest honor—he earned multiple awards for heroism, reflecting his unwavering commitment to protecting Baton Rouge. Colleagues described him as a mentor, a steady presence during crises, and a friend whose humor and compassion left an indelible mark. “He represented the very best of our state,” said Governor Jeff Landry, joining a chorus of officials, including Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and East Baton Rouge Mayor President Sid Edwards, in honoring his legacy. Murrill expressed strong support for District Attorney Hillar Moore’s decision to seek the death penalty for Black, who now faces first-degree murder charges, alongside earlier counts of attempted murder, hate crimes, and resisting an officer.
The suspect’s history adds a chilling layer to the tragedy. Black, who was arrested in 2014 for similar charges, including aggravated assault with a vehicle on a police officer, has a documented pattern of hostility toward law enforcement. Court records from that earlier incident describe reckless behavior, including swerving into oncoming traffic and assaulting a police K9, underscoring a troubling disregard for authority. His family issued a public apology, acknowledging the gravity of the June 16 attack and citing Black’s mental health crisis, but the community’s focus remains on Eisworth’s sacrifice and the profound loss felt by all who knew him.
As Baton Rouge prepares to honor Sgt. Eisworth, plans for a memorial service are underway, with details expected soon. The BRPD has called for continued prayers for Eisworth’s family and the department, which is grappling with the void left by one of its finest. Across Louisiana, law enforcement agencies, from the Livingston Police Department to the Denham Springs Police Department, have shared heartfelt condolences, with tributes like “Rest in Peace Brother” echoing the collective grief.
Sgt. Caleb Eisworth’s memory will live on in the hearts of those he served. His courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to his community will never be forgotten. As Baton Rouge navigates this period of profound loss, the city stands united in gratitude for a hero who gave everything to keep it safe.
