St. Elmo Man Admits to Shooting at Officers Attempting to Serve Warrant

A St. Elmo man pleaded guilty in Federal court to several assault and firearms charges after he opened fire on federal law enforcement agents who went to serve an arrest warrant at his residence in Fayette County.

47-year-old Dax Baldrige pleaded guilty Friday to seven counts of assault of a federal officer, two counts of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

On October 17, 2022, task force members with the US Marshal's Service attempted to serve an arrest warrant for Baldrige at his residence when he used a rifle to fire multiple shots at the officers.

After a 10-hour standoff with police, Baldrige was taken into custody, and no injuries were reported.

Baldrige's sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 9.

"Being in law enforcement is one of the most dangerous jobs anyone can do and we will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office so that people like Baldrige who attack officers are brought to justice," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.

The U.S. Marshal Service Great Lakes Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, the Illinois State Police and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Arshi is prosecuting the case.