Michael Anthony Baker Jr. dies in fatal Middletown police shooting

Michael Anthony Baker Jr. dies in fatal Middletown police shooting

Fatal Middletown shooting death of Michael Anthony Baker Jr. – Obituary

Authorities have confirmed that 47-year-old Michael Anthony Baker Jr., a resident of Middletown, was fatally shot during a police-involved incident on Tuesday morning, May 27, at a residence on Garden Avenue near Barnitz Stadium. The shooting, which also left a woman injured, occurred during the execution of a search warrant tied to a drug-related investigation.

The Butler County Coroner’s Office identified Baker as the man killed. A woman at the scene sustained a non-life-threatening injury from shrapnel and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now handling the case. According to representatives from Frontline Advisors, who speak on behalf of the Middletown Fraternal Order of Police, officers made several verbal announcements before entering the home. Baker reportedly appeared at the door and allegedly pointed a firearm at the officers, prompting them to open fire.

The officers involved have not been publicly named, as protected under Marsy’s Law, and are currently on paid administrative leave.

Neighbor Spencer Kidd reported hearing three gunshots while witnessing the law enforcement operation. Police had cordoned off Garden Avenue between Woodside Boulevard and Pine Street for over ten hours following the incident.

Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser stated that the BCI would conduct an independent investigation and later present its findings to a grand jury. He expressed his support for Chief David Birk’s decision to involve the BCI in the case.

Officials noted that additional related search warrants were carried out across the area and that further actions may follow.

This is the third officer-involved shooting in Middletown since early 2023. Previous incidents include the fatal shooting of Christopher Gorak in December 2024 and another deadly confrontation in February 2023 involving Victor Lykins. In both prior cases, grand juries declined to file charges against the officers involved.

Details about the injured woman and police body cam footage will be released after the case is reviewed by the grand jury. The investigation is still ongoing.