Sergeant Thomas John Baitinger, 48, of the St. Petersburg Police Department was killed on January 24, 2011 while leading a rescue team during a high-risk warrant service. Officers had gone to a residence to serve warrants on a suspect wanted for aggravated battery; a family member said the suspect was in the attic and possibly armed. Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz and a U.S. Marshal encountered the suspect in the attic; the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding Yaslowitz and wounding Marshal Scott Ley.

Sergeant Baitinger entered the house to extract the wounded officers and was struck by gunfire as he passed beneath the attic opening. Both Yaslowitz and Baitinger later died at a local hospital. The suspect, described as having a history of violent behavior, was found dead after a prolonged standoff during which the house was partially dismantled with heavy machinery. No additional arrests were made; the investigation identified the suspect as the sole perpetrator and concluded the officers’ actions were in line with standard procedures. Baitinger had served 15 years with the department and was honored at a large memorial service.

Did anyone who knew Sergeant Baitinger or who was at the scene have details to add about that day?