Scott Baird, a 23-year-old Gainesville police officer, died in the line of duty on February 12, 2001. In the early morning behind Gainesville High School he responded to a report of an obstruction in the road: a large, 200-pound metal batting cage placed there as a prank. While attempting to move the cage, a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old struck the obstruction, which struck Officer Baird and caused his death.

Baird had served with the Gainesville Police Department for two years and was described as highly regarded by the community; local businesses had recently named him Most Popular Officer. The death was ruled an accident and there was no indication of foul play; the 17-year-old driver was not charged with intentional wrongdoing. A memorial was placed near the scene and the roadway behind the high school was named Officer Scott Baird Boulevard in his honor.

If anyone was in that area on February 12, 2001, or has information about the incident or the prank that placed the batting cage in the roadway, please share what is known.