IMPD Officer Ed Zehner was arrested for operating while
intoxicated Sunday evening at 11:30, New Palestine’s chief of police
confirmed.
He was arrested by a New Palestine officer when the officer spotted him swerving on rural Hancock County roads.
The police chief said Zehner had a BAC of .16, which is twice the legal limit.
He was taken to Hancock County Jail.
Showing posts with label Indiana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indiana. Show all posts
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Saturday, May 03, 2014
Hammond Cop Abuses k9
A Hammond, Indiana police officer was placed on administrative leave this week after video surfaced on YouTube allegedly showing the cop abusing his K-9 partner.
The man shooting the video of the alleged abuse could not believe what he was seeing.
“Look at him…” said the man shooting the video.
His reaction, so filled with profanity, FOX 32 News had to mute the sound.
The director of the local humane society was also troubled, especially with the abuser being a cop.
“It was pretty hard to watch. I was trying to think of some reason why this would happen and there wasn't one that has come to mind still, so it was pretty hard to watch,” said Rachel Delaney, the Executive Director of the Humane Society Calumet area.
The man with the cell phone, who was watching a traffic stop outside his friend's window, did not want to comment. He was afraid of police retaliation.
The video has blown up on social media, from 850 views early this afternoon to more than 35,000 five hours later.
Hammond Police did not respond to FOX 32 News requests for a response, but the mayor acted quickly after seeing the video himself.
Tom McDermott said in a statement that the officer in question was put on administrative leave immediately and his K-9 partner had been taken away from him pending further police investigation.
“Anybody who loves dogs as much as I do is always saddened and shocked anytime you hear of a dog's abuse. When you find out it happened with an employee of yours, it makes it that much more shocking and disturbing,” McDermott added.
Many people in the neighborhood were also alarmed by the video, including a young man who saw it for the first time when FOX 32 showed it to him right near where it happened.
“It's not something someone should be doing to a dog because sometimes people look at dogs like their humans, and that's almost like seeing one of your family members get beat up or something like that,” said neighbor Montarey Harris.
The man shooting the video of the alleged abuse could not believe what he was seeing.
“Look at him…” said the man shooting the video.
His reaction, so filled with profanity, FOX 32 News had to mute the sound.
The director of the local humane society was also troubled, especially with the abuser being a cop.
“It was pretty hard to watch. I was trying to think of some reason why this would happen and there wasn't one that has come to mind still, so it was pretty hard to watch,” said Rachel Delaney, the Executive Director of the Humane Society Calumet area.
The man with the cell phone, who was watching a traffic stop outside his friend's window, did not want to comment. He was afraid of police retaliation.
The video has blown up on social media, from 850 views early this afternoon to more than 35,000 five hours later.
Hammond Police did not respond to FOX 32 News requests for a response, but the mayor acted quickly after seeing the video himself.
Tom McDermott said in a statement that the officer in question was put on administrative leave immediately and his K-9 partner had been taken away from him pending further police investigation.
“Anybody who loves dogs as much as I do is always saddened and shocked anytime you hear of a dog's abuse. When you find out it happened with an employee of yours, it makes it that much more shocking and disturbing,” McDermott added.
Many people in the neighborhood were also alarmed by the video, including a young man who saw it for the first time when FOX 32 showed it to him right near where it happened.
“It's not something someone should be doing to a dog because sometimes people look at dogs like their humans, and that's almost like seeing one of your family members get beat up or something like that,” said neighbor Montarey Harris.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Former Officer George Edward Hopper Charged with Stealing from FOP
A former Muncie police officer has been charged with stealing more than $26,000 from a Fraternal Order of Police lodge while he served as treasurer.
The Star Press reports 40-year-old George Edward Hopper turned himself in at the Delaware County jail on Friday and was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
Hopper could not be reached for comment because the telephone listing for him had been disconnected. It was not known if he has hired an attorney.
Hopper resigned the Muncie Police Department in March 2013, after FOP officials launched an investigation into missing funds. He had been a police officer for nearly 15 years.
Court documents show Hopper previously repaid $12,000, and Prosecutor Jeffrey Arnold said the former officer paid an additional $14,000 in restitution Friday.
The Star Press reports 40-year-old George Edward Hopper turned himself in at the Delaware County jail on Friday and was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
Hopper could not be reached for comment because the telephone listing for him had been disconnected. It was not known if he has hired an attorney.
Hopper resigned the Muncie Police Department in March 2013, after FOP officials launched an investigation into missing funds. He had been a police officer for nearly 15 years.
Court documents show Hopper previously repaid $12,000, and Prosecutor Jeffrey Arnold said the former officer paid an additional $14,000 in restitution Friday.
Officer David Reece Charged with Residential Entry and Battery
Indianapolis Police Officer David Reece was taken into custody Friday night after a disturbance on the 8800 block of William Penn Circle, near the intersection of 75th Street and Sargent Road just north of Lawrence.
According to a statement issued Saturday, witness accounts and observations made by IMPD detectives led to the arrest of Reece, 45, on two counts of battery and one count of residential entry.
Police said Reece was taken into custody without incident.
IMPD spokesman Officer Christopher Wilburn said Reece has been suspended without pay pending the results of an internal investigation.
In September, Reece and his partner Officer Jason Scott were lauded after they purchased new bikes for two young children who'd had theirs stolen.
Monday, April 07, 2014
Officer James Foutch Arrested After Crash that Killed Man
The Madison County Sheriff's Department says Edgewood police Officer James Foutch was off duty when his SUV ran into the back of a car driven by 22-year-old Rebecca Marie Sperry of Pendleton on Sunday.
The Herald Bulletin reports the car went off Indiana 32 near the town of Lapel and into a utility pole, crushing the car's passenger side. The county coroner says Jesse Sperry died. His wife was taken to an Indianapolis hospital.
Police say Foutch was possibly under the influence of prescription medication and was jailed on a preliminary charge of driving while intoxicated causing death. It wasn't clear whether he had an attorney.
Saturday, April 05, 2014
Lt Terry Austin Accused of Bribing Fellow Officers to Pull Over His Ex-Wife
Lieutenant Terry Austin faces charges of bribery and official misconduct.
Police say he offered two McCordsville police officers a $200 steak dinner to pull over his ex-wife because her driver’s license is suspended.
Austin is now on administrative leave.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Officer Cory Owensby Charged with Several Felonies
An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer faces multiple felony charges after he was indicted Thursday following an internal affairs investigation into evidence mishandling that began nearly one year ago.
Patrolman Cory Owensby turned himself in Thursday morning after a special grand jury returned indictments on five felony counts of official misconduct. He also face five misdemeanor counts of criminal conversion and three misdemeanor counts of false informing.
He was released on his own recognizance after appearing before a judge Thursday.
IMPD Chief Rick Hite suspended Owensby without pay late Thursday and said he would recommend the Civilian Police Merit Board terminate his employment with the department.
Owensby, an IMPD Officer since 2007, is the son of Fraternal Order of Police Local 86 President Bill Owensby. Hite said that did not play a role in his investigation.
“He is a member of the IMPD. He is an officer in our department, no different than any other officer in the department. We’ll respect his tenure, but no different than anyone else on the team,” Hite said Thursday.
I-Team 8’s calls to Bill Owensby and the FOP were not returned Thursday.
Owensby was placed on paid administrative duty last fall. That’s when internal affairs investigators were first tipped off that he had allegedly mishandled evidence in at least five different cases, beginning in late 2012, according to the indictment.
Court documents obtained by I-Team 8 show Owensby is accused of failing to turn over key evidence in relation to those cases, including marijuana, prescription pills, drug paraphernalia like pipes and rolling papers, and a steel axe.
Hite acknowledged that could impact the prosecution of those cases, but downplayed the significance.
“We’re looking at what the impact has been,” he said. “But, it wasn’t a widespread kind of case where we can show chapter and verse [that] there were multiple, multiple cases impacted. At this point, we’re still looking into that.”
IMPD has dealt with other recent evidence problems as well. Blood vials were mishandled in the David Bisard case, and cocaine evidence was mistakenly destroyed by property room employees earlier this year.
Despite that, Hite says critical changes have already been made.
“We’re currently recreating a new environment within that whole spear of evidence collection and property room,” he said. “And you’re seeing, as we stated, a change in management systems, internal records management systems. You’re seeing the results of that.”
Internal investigators were also the ones to open the case, Hite noted.
“I think you’ll find it, I think, refreshing to know that this was an internal process and internal audit. We caught this. So, don’t let that go by you. We found this. Our processes work,” he said.
Hite turned over his investigators findings to Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry, who requested a special prosecutor. Jefferson County Prosecutor D.J. Mote was assigned to the case.
Speaking by phone with I-Team Thursday, Mote said additional details of the case are not being made public at this time because the indictments were handed down by a six-member special grand jury.
Owensby is scheduled to return to court in May.
Patrolman Cory Owensby turned himself in Thursday morning after a special grand jury returned indictments on five felony counts of official misconduct. He also face five misdemeanor counts of criminal conversion and three misdemeanor counts of false informing.
He was released on his own recognizance after appearing before a judge Thursday.
IMPD Chief Rick Hite suspended Owensby without pay late Thursday and said he would recommend the Civilian Police Merit Board terminate his employment with the department.
Owensby, an IMPD Officer since 2007, is the son of Fraternal Order of Police Local 86 President Bill Owensby. Hite said that did not play a role in his investigation.
“He is a member of the IMPD. He is an officer in our department, no different than any other officer in the department. We’ll respect his tenure, but no different than anyone else on the team,” Hite said Thursday.
I-Team 8’s calls to Bill Owensby and the FOP were not returned Thursday.
Owensby was placed on paid administrative duty last fall. That’s when internal affairs investigators were first tipped off that he had allegedly mishandled evidence in at least five different cases, beginning in late 2012, according to the indictment.
Court documents obtained by I-Team 8 show Owensby is accused of failing to turn over key evidence in relation to those cases, including marijuana, prescription pills, drug paraphernalia like pipes and rolling papers, and a steel axe.
Hite acknowledged that could impact the prosecution of those cases, but downplayed the significance.
“We’re looking at what the impact has been,” he said. “But, it wasn’t a widespread kind of case where we can show chapter and verse [that] there were multiple, multiple cases impacted. At this point, we’re still looking into that.”
IMPD has dealt with other recent evidence problems as well. Blood vials were mishandled in the David Bisard case, and cocaine evidence was mistakenly destroyed by property room employees earlier this year.
Despite that, Hite says critical changes have already been made.
“We’re currently recreating a new environment within that whole spear of evidence collection and property room,” he said. “And you’re seeing, as we stated, a change in management systems, internal records management systems. You’re seeing the results of that.”
Internal investigators were also the ones to open the case, Hite noted.
“I think you’ll find it, I think, refreshing to know that this was an internal process and internal audit. We caught this. So, don’t let that go by you. We found this. Our processes work,” he said.
Hite turned over his investigators findings to Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry, who requested a special prosecutor. Jefferson County Prosecutor D.J. Mote was assigned to the case.
Speaking by phone with I-Team Thursday, Mote said additional details of the case are not being made public at this time because the indictments were handed down by a six-member special grand jury.
Owensby is scheduled to return to court in May.
Friday, March 07, 2014
Deputy Marshal Donald Richardson Arrested for Stealing Money From Evidence Locker
A suspended Worthington Deputy Marshal Donald R. Richardson was arrested Thursday night after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Richardson is accused of stealing money from the evidence locker at the Worthington Police Department.
According to the Greene County Daily World, Richardson has worked at the Worthington Police Department for twelve years, but was demoted from marshal to a deputy last year after allegations of poor work performance and other unacceptable behaviors. The town council appointed Randy Raney to serve as marshal in October.
On November 30, Raney was reorganizing the evidence room when he discovered the keys to one of the lockers, was not where it should be. He found it in an ice cube tray on top of the refrigerator and when he opened the locker he discovered a large plastic bag that contained evidence from a 2012 case had been tore open.
Raney says he was familiar with the case Richardson had investigated and that $1,300 in cash was missing from the bag.
The Indiana State Police were called to investigate.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective Stacy Brown, Rainey told police he searched the evidence room several time and could not locate the missing cash and the only person that had a key to the evidence room as well as a key to the police department door was Richardson. He also told the detective that Richardson had been going through a divorce and was having financial troubles, and that the town clerk had mentioned that Richardson had tried to get advances on overtime he had not worked.
Raney also found that the case file on that case was missing from the file cabinet it was supposed to be stored in, and there was no reason for anyone to have the file because the case was no longer an active investigation.
He also found that the computer file on the case had been modified on Nov. 17, 2013. The modification was on the amount of money taken into evidence.
The original document showed the amount to be $1,289.10 and the modified document showed it to be $1,089.10.
On the date the document was changed, Raney and Richardson were the only officers working for the department, and Richardson was the only officer working that day.
Detective Stacy interviewed Richardson on December 17, and reported that when he asked Richardson about the missing money Richardson became agitated and angry. And when told about the missing money, he claimed someone was attempting to "set him up."
Richardson told the detective the money was not missing, but stored in the refrigerator in the evidence room to eliminate the odor of marijuana on it. He also says he was hoping the department could seize the money to purchase new equipment for the department.
Both Stacy and Richardson then went to the refrigerator to look for the missing money. Richardson opened the refrigerator and without looking grabbed the top envelope on the top shelf and handed it to the detective.
Stacy reported that was suspicious since, Raney had searched the refrigerator several times and didn't find the missing money.
The envelope contained a smaller heat sealed bag with the proper case number and a dollar amount of $1,089.10 on it- $200 dollars short of the total listed in the original probable cause affidavit.
Richardson reportedly told Detective Stacy the amount listed in the original probable cause affidavit was incorrect and that the bag contained the correct amount.
When asked about the missing case file, Richardson said the printer was not working on the day he finished the report so he was unable to print a copy. When Stacy asked why he didn't print a copy after the printer was fixed, Richardson became upset and did not answer.
Richardson was then showed a copy of the modified probable cause affidavit and told him that the change was made on Nov. 17 when he was the only one working, Richardson allegedly said that he did not take the money and did not make changes to the affidavit.
Again Richardson claimed he was "being set up and they (Raney, the clerk-treasurer and deputy clerk and members of the Worthington town board) were trying to make it look like he stole the money."
Richardson requested that Stacy check the computer in the evidence room to see what the dollar amount it listed for the case was, and on Dec. 20 Stacy discovered that the file on that computer had been modified on the same day as the file on the computer in the front office.
Again, the amount of money had been changed from $1,289.10 to $1,089.10.
On Dec. 20, Stacy interviewed Worthington Deputy Clerk Debbie Dyer, who told him that she did not have keys to the police department or evidence room and that she had no problems with Don and was not part of a set-up against him.
On Jan. 13 of this year, Stacy spoke with Worthington Clerk-Treasurer Gloria Klass, who said she did not have the keys, either, and that she considered Richardson to be a friend. She allegedly stated that she had recently received messages and emails from Richardson asking for $650 in Operation Pull-Over (OPO) overtime he claimed to have worked and that she had told him the policy on OPO advances had changed, at which point he asked if they could reconsider so he could give his son a good Christmas.
Klass told Stacy that she loaned Richardson $600 and he agreed that she could have his OPO check when it arrived. She added that she recently learned he never worked those hours or submitted the overtime claims, and that she was very surprised Richardson lied to her and took $600 of her money.
On Jan. 17, Stacy talked with Brad Deckard, who was employed as a deputy sheriff at the Greene County Sheriff's Department when Richardson initially worked the case involving the missing money. Deckard said he remembered the case and that he verified the amount of money taken into evidence, but that he could only recall that it was over $1,000.
Deckard also allegedly told Stacy that Richardson had recently called him to tell him that he made a mistake on the dollar amount listed on the probable cause affidavit, and had requested that Deckard be a friend and cover for him. Deckard said that when he told Richardson he could not recall the dollar amount that was seized, Richardson asked him to lie to Stacy and tell him the dollar amount was $1,089.10.
Richardson is preliminarily charged with theft and official misconduct, both class D felonies. His bond will be set at $8,000 surety with ten percent cash allowed.
Richardson is accused of stealing money from the evidence locker at the Worthington Police Department.
According to the Greene County Daily World, Richardson has worked at the Worthington Police Department for twelve years, but was demoted from marshal to a deputy last year after allegations of poor work performance and other unacceptable behaviors. The town council appointed Randy Raney to serve as marshal in October.
On November 30, Raney was reorganizing the evidence room when he discovered the keys to one of the lockers, was not where it should be. He found it in an ice cube tray on top of the refrigerator and when he opened the locker he discovered a large plastic bag that contained evidence from a 2012 case had been tore open.
Raney says he was familiar with the case Richardson had investigated and that $1,300 in cash was missing from the bag.
The Indiana State Police were called to investigate.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective Stacy Brown, Rainey told police he searched the evidence room several time and could not locate the missing cash and the only person that had a key to the evidence room as well as a key to the police department door was Richardson. He also told the detective that Richardson had been going through a divorce and was having financial troubles, and that the town clerk had mentioned that Richardson had tried to get advances on overtime he had not worked.
Raney also found that the case file on that case was missing from the file cabinet it was supposed to be stored in, and there was no reason for anyone to have the file because the case was no longer an active investigation.
He also found that the computer file on the case had been modified on Nov. 17, 2013. The modification was on the amount of money taken into evidence.
The original document showed the amount to be $1,289.10 and the modified document showed it to be $1,089.10.
On the date the document was changed, Raney and Richardson were the only officers working for the department, and Richardson was the only officer working that day.
Detective Stacy interviewed Richardson on December 17, and reported that when he asked Richardson about the missing money Richardson became agitated and angry. And when told about the missing money, he claimed someone was attempting to "set him up."
Richardson told the detective the money was not missing, but stored in the refrigerator in the evidence room to eliminate the odor of marijuana on it. He also says he was hoping the department could seize the money to purchase new equipment for the department.
Both Stacy and Richardson then went to the refrigerator to look for the missing money. Richardson opened the refrigerator and without looking grabbed the top envelope on the top shelf and handed it to the detective.
Stacy reported that was suspicious since, Raney had searched the refrigerator several times and didn't find the missing money.
The envelope contained a smaller heat sealed bag with the proper case number and a dollar amount of $1,089.10 on it- $200 dollars short of the total listed in the original probable cause affidavit.
Richardson reportedly told Detective Stacy the amount listed in the original probable cause affidavit was incorrect and that the bag contained the correct amount.
When asked about the missing case file, Richardson said the printer was not working on the day he finished the report so he was unable to print a copy. When Stacy asked why he didn't print a copy after the printer was fixed, Richardson became upset and did not answer.
Richardson was then showed a copy of the modified probable cause affidavit and told him that the change was made on Nov. 17 when he was the only one working, Richardson allegedly said that he did not take the money and did not make changes to the affidavit.
Again Richardson claimed he was "being set up and they (Raney, the clerk-treasurer and deputy clerk and members of the Worthington town board) were trying to make it look like he stole the money."
Richardson requested that Stacy check the computer in the evidence room to see what the dollar amount it listed for the case was, and on Dec. 20 Stacy discovered that the file on that computer had been modified on the same day as the file on the computer in the front office.
Again, the amount of money had been changed from $1,289.10 to $1,089.10.
On Dec. 20, Stacy interviewed Worthington Deputy Clerk Debbie Dyer, who told him that she did not have keys to the police department or evidence room and that she had no problems with Don and was not part of a set-up against him.
On Jan. 13 of this year, Stacy spoke with Worthington Clerk-Treasurer Gloria Klass, who said she did not have the keys, either, and that she considered Richardson to be a friend. She allegedly stated that she had recently received messages and emails from Richardson asking for $650 in Operation Pull-Over (OPO) overtime he claimed to have worked and that she had told him the policy on OPO advances had changed, at which point he asked if they could reconsider so he could give his son a good Christmas.
Klass told Stacy that she loaned Richardson $600 and he agreed that she could have his OPO check when it arrived. She added that she recently learned he never worked those hours or submitted the overtime claims, and that she was very surprised Richardson lied to her and took $600 of her money.
On Jan. 17, Stacy talked with Brad Deckard, who was employed as a deputy sheriff at the Greene County Sheriff's Department when Richardson initially worked the case involving the missing money. Deckard said he remembered the case and that he verified the amount of money taken into evidence, but that he could only recall that it was over $1,000.
Deckard also allegedly told Stacy that Richardson had recently called him to tell him that he made a mistake on the dollar amount listed on the probable cause affidavit, and had requested that Deckard be a friend and cover for him. Deckard said that when he told Richardson he could not recall the dollar amount that was seized, Richardson asked him to lie to Stacy and tell him the dollar amount was $1,089.10.
Richardson is preliminarily charged with theft and official misconduct, both class D felonies. His bond will be set at $8,000 surety with ten percent cash allowed.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Lt. Randy L Emery Arrested for Theft
A Frankfort police lieutenant faces one count of theft following an investigation by the Indiana State Police Organized Crime and Corruption Unit.
Randy L. Emery, 48, of Frankfort, was arrested Tuesday afternoon at his residence and booked into the Clinton County jail, according to a state police news release. A jail employee said Emery had bonded out by Tuesday evening.
State police investigators said Emery was working part-time for Good Oil Co. and was responsible for transporting money from the company’s gas station at Indiana 28 and Interstate 65 to a bank. According to ISP, Emery used a Frankfort patrol car to transport the money while he was off duty from his police job.
State police allege that more than $147,000 in cash was taken from the Winamac-based oil company since late summer of 2013.
According to state police, the arrest warrant stems from an investigation that began Friday and was conducted by Master Trooper Detective Amy Johnson. The investigation is ongoing.
Following Emery’s arrest, Frankfort Police Chief Troy Bacon posted a statement on the department’s website.
“The judicial system will run its course and proceed accordingly, based on the facts of the investigation. Not having any role in the investigation, our department has no further comment on the situation,” Bacon said.
“Given Emery is a city employee, an executive session of the Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety will be scheduled in the near future,” the statement said.
Emery was not on duty at the time of his arrest, according to Bacon.
Randy L. Emery, 48, of Frankfort, was arrested Tuesday afternoon at his residence and booked into the Clinton County jail, according to a state police news release. A jail employee said Emery had bonded out by Tuesday evening.
State police investigators said Emery was working part-time for Good Oil Co. and was responsible for transporting money from the company’s gas station at Indiana 28 and Interstate 65 to a bank. According to ISP, Emery used a Frankfort patrol car to transport the money while he was off duty from his police job.
State police allege that more than $147,000 in cash was taken from the Winamac-based oil company since late summer of 2013.
According to state police, the arrest warrant stems from an investigation that began Friday and was conducted by Master Trooper Detective Amy Johnson. The investigation is ongoing.
Following Emery’s arrest, Frankfort Police Chief Troy Bacon posted a statement on the department’s website.
“The judicial system will run its course and proceed accordingly, based on the facts of the investigation. Not having any role in the investigation, our department has no further comment on the situation,” Bacon said.
“Given Emery is a city employee, an executive session of the Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety will be scheduled in the near future,” the statement said.
Emery was not on duty at the time of his arrest, according to Bacon.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Officer David Bisard Arrested for Drunk Driving
Suspended Indianapolis Metro Police Officer David Bisard has been arrested for Operating a vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI) following an accident Saturday afternoon in Lawrence.
According to sources, Bisard blew a .16 on an alcohol breath test but refused a chemical test, so he was taken to the hospital for a blood draw.
Officers were dispatched to the 10000 block of Indian Lake Boulevard South in Lawrence around 2:30 p.m. for a property damage accident. Police say Bisard was the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident.
Police say Bisard smelled of alcohol and that he failed a field sobriety test and a Breathalyzer test at the scene of the crash. According to police, Bisard was eastbound on Indiana Lake Boulevard when he struck a speed limit sign, knocking it down, and then hit the guardrail.
Lawrence Police walked Bisard into Wishard Hospital for a blood draw. They arrived in an unmarked vehicle and Bisard was taken inside handcuffed. After the blood draw, Bisard was taken to the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center.
Bisard's Attorney John Kautzmann tells Eyewitness News he is not commenting on his client's arrests nor his possible release from jail.
IMPD Chief Rick Hite told Eyewitness News he was aware of Bisard's arrest Saturday and that it's in the hands of the prosecutors.
August 2010 crash
David Bisard was involved in an August 2010 crash that resulted in the death of motorcyclist Eric Wells. Two others, Mary Mills and Kurt Weekly, were critically injured in the crash and Weekly has permanent brain damage.
Bisard was charged with reckless homicide and other charges in connection with the crash. A blood alcohol content test determined he was over twice the legal limit to drive at the time of the crash. But botched procedures - both with the blood draw itself and later in the IMPD evidence room - led to drunk driving charges being thrown out.
Last year, an appeals court ruled that the blood draw could be allowed as evidence. Bisard's attorneys had argued that the blood draw should not be allowed on the grounds that the medical assistant who took the blood had not followed proper protocols and that the draw should have been taken at a hospital, not a clinic.
In September, the appeals court ruled that the medical assistant did in fact follow physician-approved protocols, "and that the statutes cited by Bisard do not reflect that the General Assembly intended to suppress blood evidence taken in a medical facility by a trained operator in the presence of the suspect's lawyer. We therefore reverse."
A trial date has been set for October 15th, 2013.
Meantime, the city has agreed to pay Weekly and Mills, who are married, a total of $2.3 million. Weekly was awarded $1.35 million and Mills $975,000.
A $1.5 million settlement was reached with the family of Eric Wells in June 2012.
Recent developments:
March 4: IMPD officers, demoted after Bisard crash, now promoted - The Indianapolis Metro Police Department promoted some of its officers to high-ranking positions Monday. Ronald Hicks and John Conley both played roles at the scene where suspended Officer David Bisard is accused of crashing into three motorcycle riders while driving drunk in August 2010.
Ronald Hicks was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police and John Conley is now Commander of the Southeast District. Both were promoted in a ceremony held in the Chief's Conference Room.
Hicks and Conley, along with then- Assistant Chief Darryl Pierce, were demoted a few weeks after the Bisard crash, which claimed the life of Eric Wells, due to a "failure in leadership" amid claims of a flawed investigation. Bisard's blood alcohol content was tested at well over the legal limit, but drunk driving charges were thrown out on a technicality stemming from the way the blood sample was handled.
Jan. 3: IMPD evidence room undergoes changes after Bisard blood removed - Critical blood evidence from a deadly drunk driving case against Officer David Bisard was mistakenly removed from a refrigeration unit in the IMPD property room and transferred to storage. It sat unrefrigerated from mid-November 2011 to April 2012.
Police Chief Paul Ciesielski stepped down and the FBI stepped in to investigate. But the only culprit found was outdated and poorly constructed property room guidelines.
13 Investigates and its cameras ventured inside the property room for a rare look at how evidence in some of the city's worst and highest profile cases are now stored.
According to sources, Bisard blew a .16 on an alcohol breath test but refused a chemical test, so he was taken to the hospital for a blood draw.
Officers were dispatched to the 10000 block of Indian Lake Boulevard South in Lawrence around 2:30 p.m. for a property damage accident. Police say Bisard was the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident.
Police say Bisard smelled of alcohol and that he failed a field sobriety test and a Breathalyzer test at the scene of the crash. According to police, Bisard was eastbound on Indiana Lake Boulevard when he struck a speed limit sign, knocking it down, and then hit the guardrail.
Lawrence Police walked Bisard into Wishard Hospital for a blood draw. They arrived in an unmarked vehicle and Bisard was taken inside handcuffed. After the blood draw, Bisard was taken to the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center.
Bisard's Attorney John Kautzmann tells Eyewitness News he is not commenting on his client's arrests nor his possible release from jail.
IMPD Chief Rick Hite told Eyewitness News he was aware of Bisard's arrest Saturday and that it's in the hands of the prosecutors.
August 2010 crash
David Bisard was involved in an August 2010 crash that resulted in the death of motorcyclist Eric Wells. Two others, Mary Mills and Kurt Weekly, were critically injured in the crash and Weekly has permanent brain damage.
Bisard was charged with reckless homicide and other charges in connection with the crash. A blood alcohol content test determined he was over twice the legal limit to drive at the time of the crash. But botched procedures - both with the blood draw itself and later in the IMPD evidence room - led to drunk driving charges being thrown out.
Last year, an appeals court ruled that the blood draw could be allowed as evidence. Bisard's attorneys had argued that the blood draw should not be allowed on the grounds that the medical assistant who took the blood had not followed proper protocols and that the draw should have been taken at a hospital, not a clinic.
In September, the appeals court ruled that the medical assistant did in fact follow physician-approved protocols, "and that the statutes cited by Bisard do not reflect that the General Assembly intended to suppress blood evidence taken in a medical facility by a trained operator in the presence of the suspect's lawyer. We therefore reverse."
A trial date has been set for October 15th, 2013.
Meantime, the city has agreed to pay Weekly and Mills, who are married, a total of $2.3 million. Weekly was awarded $1.35 million and Mills $975,000.
A $1.5 million settlement was reached with the family of Eric Wells in June 2012.
Recent developments:
March 4: IMPD officers, demoted after Bisard crash, now promoted - The Indianapolis Metro Police Department promoted some of its officers to high-ranking positions Monday. Ronald Hicks and John Conley both played roles at the scene where suspended Officer David Bisard is accused of crashing into three motorcycle riders while driving drunk in August 2010.
Ronald Hicks was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police and John Conley is now Commander of the Southeast District. Both were promoted in a ceremony held in the Chief's Conference Room.
Hicks and Conley, along with then- Assistant Chief Darryl Pierce, were demoted a few weeks after the Bisard crash, which claimed the life of Eric Wells, due to a "failure in leadership" amid claims of a flawed investigation. Bisard's blood alcohol content was tested at well over the legal limit, but drunk driving charges were thrown out on a technicality stemming from the way the blood sample was handled.
Jan. 3: IMPD evidence room undergoes changes after Bisard blood removed - Critical blood evidence from a deadly drunk driving case against Officer David Bisard was mistakenly removed from a refrigeration unit in the IMPD property room and transferred to storage. It sat unrefrigerated from mid-November 2011 to April 2012.
Police Chief Paul Ciesielski stepped down and the FBI stepped in to investigate. But the only culprit found was outdated and poorly constructed property room guidelines.
13 Investigates and its cameras ventured inside the property room for a rare look at how evidence in some of the city's worst and highest profile cases are now stored.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Officer Scott Morales Suspended for the 14th Time
Officer Scott Morales is walking on thin ice after his latest violation.
Police Chief Rusty York says he suspended Morales for five days without pay for problems with "alertness on duty."
"It resulted from him not being at his post for an assigned time within the building," explained York. The incident took place in January while Morales was working the third shift York told Indiana's News Center.
York says Morales wondered away from his post to another part of the building. While the offense may not be a major one, it further tarnished the record of the 19-year veteran, who has now been suspended for the 14th time since 1991.
Morales' last suspension was in February, after he was accused of inappropriately using a taser on an individual who was already handcuffed. He received a three-day unpaid suspension for that incident.
Prior to that, Morales was accused of going absent without leave multiple times, being involved in several accidents with his police cruiser, falsifying reports, excessive force and searching a home without a warrant.
When asked why Morales has been allowed to keep his badge, York explained that discipline problems are handled with a "progressive system."
"It shows that probably the attempts to correct any behavior is not working. So certainly, we've reached the point that any subsequent allegations will certainly take on a much more serious tone," responded York.
Members of the police merit board would ultimately decide Morales' professional fate. Members were notified of his suspension Monday afternoon.
Police Chief Rusty York says he suspended Morales for five days without pay for problems with "alertness on duty."
"It resulted from him not being at his post for an assigned time within the building," explained York. The incident took place in January while Morales was working the third shift York told Indiana's News Center.
York says Morales wondered away from his post to another part of the building. While the offense may not be a major one, it further tarnished the record of the 19-year veteran, who has now been suspended for the 14th time since 1991.
Morales' last suspension was in February, after he was accused of inappropriately using a taser on an individual who was already handcuffed. He received a three-day unpaid suspension for that incident.
Prior to that, Morales was accused of going absent without leave multiple times, being involved in several accidents with his police cruiser, falsifying reports, excessive force and searching a home without a warrant.
When asked why Morales has been allowed to keep his badge, York explained that discipline problems are handled with a "progressive system."
"It shows that probably the attempts to correct any behavior is not working. So certainly, we've reached the point that any subsequent allegations will certainly take on a much more serious tone," responded York.
Members of the police merit board would ultimately decide Morales' professional fate. Members were notified of his suspension Monday afternoon.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Former Officer Joshua Wiley Sentenced to 3 Years for Stealing from 89-Year-Old Woman
A Gary, Ind., police officer is sentenced to 3 years on work release after he stole money and a home from an 89-year-old neighbor who suffered from dementia.
Prosecutors say Joshua Wiley knew his neighbor had dementia and Alzheimer's and was not competent to make financial decisions on her own behalf.
Helen Chentnik died in 2006.
Wiley pled guilty to theft back in September. He has to pay restitution to Chentnik's estate and he'll be on probation for 5 years after finishing the work release program.
Prosecutors say Joshua Wiley knew his neighbor had dementia and Alzheimer's and was not competent to make financial decisions on her own behalf.
Helen Chentnik died in 2006.
Wiley pled guilty to theft back in September. He has to pay restitution to Chentnik's estate and he'll be on probation for 5 years after finishing the work release program.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Officer Nick McKinley Faces Suspension for Hitting Fleeing Suspect with Patrol Car
A city police officer faces a 30-day suspension after he allegedly hit a fleeing suspect with his patrol car.
Patrolman Nick McKinley is accused of running his car into 54-year-old Donnie Neely of South Bend just after 1 a.m. Nov. 5 after Neely allegedly dragged a different officer with his car and then tried to flee on foot.
Those allegations were presented to the Board of Public Safety today in a letter written by Police Chief Darryl Boykins.
In the letter, Boykins stated that McKinley was backing up Patrolman Kyle Dombrowski as he was conducting a vehicle stop.
But Dombrowski’s arm and shoulder were injured in the incident, after Neely sped off, dragging him down the street and around the corner until he fell free from the car.
Then, "McKinley got into his police mechanical and started pursuing the suspect vehicle," Boykins stated. "The suspect stopped his vehicle and fled on foot. Patrolman McKinley struck the suspect, who was fleeing on foot, with his patrol car."
That story is different than the initial reports of the incident told to The Tribune the day of the incident.
According to a Nov. 6, 2009, crime brief, police initially reported that Neely tripped getting out of his car and fell on the ground, breaking his knee cap in the process and also cutting himself, later requiring four stitches.
Capt. Phil Trent, reading the report today, said there was no mention of Neely being struck by the police car in the report, but it did say he fractured a knee cap and required four stitches.
Trent said that a later internal investigation into the incident led police to discover that Neely had actually been struck by the bumper of a patrol car.
Dombrowski, the officer dragged by the car, suffered only minor injuries.
Boykins’ told the board that McKinley’s actions violated four different sections of the department’s duty manual, including improper use of a police car and unnecessary force.
The chief recommended that McKinley be suspended for 30 days without pay.
McKinley can request a hearing to dispute the charges, and no final decision about the suspension has been made by the board.
According to Tribune archives, McKinley is a 2008 graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
Patrolman Nick McKinley is accused of running his car into 54-year-old Donnie Neely of South Bend just after 1 a.m. Nov. 5 after Neely allegedly dragged a different officer with his car and then tried to flee on foot.
Those allegations were presented to the Board of Public Safety today in a letter written by Police Chief Darryl Boykins.
In the letter, Boykins stated that McKinley was backing up Patrolman Kyle Dombrowski as he was conducting a vehicle stop.
But Dombrowski’s arm and shoulder were injured in the incident, after Neely sped off, dragging him down the street and around the corner until he fell free from the car.
Then, "McKinley got into his police mechanical and started pursuing the suspect vehicle," Boykins stated. "The suspect stopped his vehicle and fled on foot. Patrolman McKinley struck the suspect, who was fleeing on foot, with his patrol car."
That story is different than the initial reports of the incident told to The Tribune the day of the incident.
According to a Nov. 6, 2009, crime brief, police initially reported that Neely tripped getting out of his car and fell on the ground, breaking his knee cap in the process and also cutting himself, later requiring four stitches.
Capt. Phil Trent, reading the report today, said there was no mention of Neely being struck by the police car in the report, but it did say he fractured a knee cap and required four stitches.
Trent said that a later internal investigation into the incident led police to discover that Neely had actually been struck by the bumper of a patrol car.
Dombrowski, the officer dragged by the car, suffered only minor injuries.
Boykins’ told the board that McKinley’s actions violated four different sections of the department’s duty manual, including improper use of a police car and unnecessary force.
The chief recommended that McKinley be suspended for 30 days without pay.
McKinley can request a hearing to dispute the charges, and no final decision about the suspension has been made by the board.
According to Tribune archives, McKinley is a 2008 graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Officer Courtney Harris Arrested for Rape
Courtney Harris, 33, was arrested on allegations of sexual misconduct. IMPD says Harris picked up a woman and took her to an industrial area, where he raped her. Police say he was on duty and in uniform.
A spokesperson tells Fox59 News IMPD is calling for the officer's resignation.
Harris has served with IMPD for nearly 6 years. We're told he was part of a special unit called SLED that investigates violent crime in "hot spots" around the city.
Prior to these recent allegations, Harris did not have any discipline problems with IMPD. The FBI is looking into the case, especially the issue of Harris' authority since we would have been armed when the alleged rape occured.
No formal charges have been filed against Harris. He's in jail on a $50,000 bond. The Marion Co. Prosecutor's Office requested a 72 hour continuance before filing charges so they can continue to investigate.
The victim was also arrested, police say she was wanted on an outstanding battery charge.
A spokesperson tells Fox59 News IMPD is calling for the officer's resignation.
Harris has served with IMPD for nearly 6 years. We're told he was part of a special unit called SLED that investigates violent crime in "hot spots" around the city.
Prior to these recent allegations, Harris did not have any discipline problems with IMPD. The FBI is looking into the case, especially the issue of Harris' authority since we would have been armed when the alleged rape occured.
No formal charges have been filed against Harris. He's in jail on a $50,000 bond. The Marion Co. Prosecutor's Office requested a 72 hour continuance before filing charges so they can continue to investigate.
The victim was also arrested, police say she was wanted on an outstanding battery charge.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Officer Bruce Jacobs Arrested for Murder
A Marion County special deputy and code enforcement officer was arrested Friday in connection with the shooting death of his neighbor in August.
Bruce Jacobs, 53, called 911 on Aug. 19 to report that he had just shot Edward Light, 48, near 20th Street and Forest Manor Avenue.
Light was pronounced dead in Jacobs' back yard.
"We received a call from his (Jacobs) home address, stating that he'd been attacked by his neighbor," said Indianapolis police Sgt. Paul Thompson. "At some point ... he felt it necessary to use deadly force, that being a firearm. He fired several shots at his neighbor, which resulted in his death."
At first it was believed that Light had attacked Jacobs with a chainsaw, but police said further investigation revealed that the chainsaw was not directly involved in the fatal shooting.
Investigators said in 2009 that Light might have damaged Jacobs' property with a chainsaw earlier in the day and that Jacobs told them he acted in self defense.
Jacobs, who was off duty at the time of the shooting, was questioned by police in August, but was never charged.
Neighbors told 6News' Sarah Cornell that Light had lived in his Forest Manor house for years and that after his father died, leaving him alone in the home, Jacobs began bullying him.
“Ed Light told me at lunch about a month before his killing that he feared for his life and that soon, he or the neighbor would be dead," said neighbor Craig Livers. "A month later, he was."
Police arrested Jacobs at his home on Friday on a preliminary charge of murder. If convicted, he could face up to 65 years in prison.
Jacobs had been suspended without pay since the shooting.
Bruce Jacobs, 53, called 911 on Aug. 19 to report that he had just shot Edward Light, 48, near 20th Street and Forest Manor Avenue.
Light was pronounced dead in Jacobs' back yard.
"We received a call from his (Jacobs) home address, stating that he'd been attacked by his neighbor," said Indianapolis police Sgt. Paul Thompson. "At some point ... he felt it necessary to use deadly force, that being a firearm. He fired several shots at his neighbor, which resulted in his death."
At first it was believed that Light had attacked Jacobs with a chainsaw, but police said further investigation revealed that the chainsaw was not directly involved in the fatal shooting.
Investigators said in 2009 that Light might have damaged Jacobs' property with a chainsaw earlier in the day and that Jacobs told them he acted in self defense.
Jacobs, who was off duty at the time of the shooting, was questioned by police in August, but was never charged.
Neighbors told 6News' Sarah Cornell that Light had lived in his Forest Manor house for years and that after his father died, leaving him alone in the home, Jacobs began bullying him.
“Ed Light told me at lunch about a month before his killing that he feared for his life and that soon, he or the neighbor would be dead," said neighbor Craig Livers. "A month later, he was."
Police arrested Jacobs at his home on Friday on a preliminary charge of murder. If convicted, he could face up to 65 years in prison.
Jacobs had been suspended without pay since the shooting.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Corporal Meredith Hanley Arrested for Attacking her Husband
A South Bend police officer accused of attacking her husband was in court Tuesday. Corporal Meredith Hanley was arrested over the weekend. She is accused in a domestic violence attack on her husband. Her husband is also a South Bend police officer, but he was not arrested in the incident.
A special prosecutor from LaPorte County has been appointed to handle the case to avoid any conflict of interest.
Hanley will be back in court January 12th.
A special prosecutor from LaPorte County has been appointed to handle the case to avoid any conflict of interest.
Hanley will be back in court January 12th.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Officer Jack Tiller Accused of Abusing Daughter
Charges have been filed against the Walkerton police officer accused of abusing his teenage daughter.
36-year-old Walkerton Officer Jack Tiller is being charged with misdemeanor battery on accusations of abusing his 16-year-old daughter.
Tiller must appear in court on January 12th.
You may remember Tiller from his time as a Roseland police officer, when he was accused of hitting David Snyder during a town meeting.
Fast forward to the present: Tiller's daughter apparently reported the abuse to a resource officer at Penn High School. According to the police report, she had several bruises on her body.
Tiller was apparently upset because his daughter was late when he picked her up from an after-school activity.
Tiller has not been arrested. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office has not decided if charges will be filed.
36-year-old Walkerton Officer Jack Tiller is being charged with misdemeanor battery on accusations of abusing his 16-year-old daughter.
Tiller must appear in court on January 12th.
You may remember Tiller from his time as a Roseland police officer, when he was accused of hitting David Snyder during a town meeting.
Fast forward to the present: Tiller's daughter apparently reported the abuse to a resource officer at Penn High School. According to the police report, she had several bruises on her body.
Tiller was apparently upset because his daughter was late when he picked her up from an after-school activity.
Tiller has not been arrested. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office has not decided if charges will be filed.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Deputy Eric Mayo Charged with Patronizing a Prostitute
A Monroe County reserve deputy who also worked for the Indiana University Police Department is now suspended after Bloomington Police say he patronized a prostitute.
A court document states that 30-year-old Eric Mayo must appear in court January 6 for the charge of patronizing a prostitute. The case was filed in court last week even though the document states Mayo was served the summons last month.
Bloomington Police would only say that they were investigating a report of a 19-year-old woman who claimed that a man, who said he was a photographer, offered her five dollars and a pack of cigarettes in exchange for sexual favors.
Police worked with the woman to set up a meeting with the photographer at a Big Lots store parking lot in Bloomington. Bloomington Police said that's when Eric Mayo showed up. Police said Mayo again asked for "the same deal" -- money and cigarettes for a sexual favor. That's when police served Mayo the summons to appear in court for the preliminary charge of patronizing a prostitute.
Mayo lives less than a block away from the Big Lots. He did not answer his door Tuesday but he did tell Lieutenant Craig Munroe at the IU Police Department about his court summons.
Mayo has worked for IU Police as a dispatcher and police officer for five years.
Lt. Munroe said, "(Mayo) called me up Friday and advised me of the charges had been filed against him. And so I was notified by Mr. Mayo."
Mayo is suspended with pay. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department also suspended Mayo. Both agencies said his employment status depends on the outcome of the case.
A court document states that 30-year-old Eric Mayo must appear in court January 6 for the charge of patronizing a prostitute. The case was filed in court last week even though the document states Mayo was served the summons last month.
Bloomington Police would only say that they were investigating a report of a 19-year-old woman who claimed that a man, who said he was a photographer, offered her five dollars and a pack of cigarettes in exchange for sexual favors.
Police worked with the woman to set up a meeting with the photographer at a Big Lots store parking lot in Bloomington. Bloomington Police said that's when Eric Mayo showed up. Police said Mayo again asked for "the same deal" -- money and cigarettes for a sexual favor. That's when police served Mayo the summons to appear in court for the preliminary charge of patronizing a prostitute.
Mayo lives less than a block away from the Big Lots. He did not answer his door Tuesday but he did tell Lieutenant Craig Munroe at the IU Police Department about his court summons.
Mayo has worked for IU Police as a dispatcher and police officer for five years.
Lt. Munroe said, "(Mayo) called me up Friday and advised me of the charges had been filed against him. And so I was notified by Mr. Mayo."
Mayo is suspended with pay. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department also suspended Mayo. Both agencies said his employment status depends on the outcome of the case.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Former Officer William Wike Sentenced for Fondling 15-year-old
A judge sentenced a former Huntington police officer to a year in prison for molesting a teenager.
40-year-old William Wike was sentenced Monday after he pleaded guilty to sexual battery and admitting he fondled a 15-year-old girl.
Huntington officials fired the nine-year department veteran last month. After he confessed to the fondling.
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40-year-old William Wike was sentenced Monday after he pleaded guilty to sexual battery and admitting he fondled a 15-year-old girl.
Huntington officials fired the nine-year department veteran last month. After he confessed to the fondling.
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Monday, December 07, 2009
Former Sheriff Mark Frisbie Arrested for Drunk Driving
Former Putnam County Sheriff Mark T. Frisbie was arrested late Friday.
Frisbie, 38, was booked into the Putnam County Jail and charged with misdemeanors operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and public intoxication, Sgt. Rich Myers of the Putnamville Post of the Indiana State Police said.
Frisbie was pulled over by Indiana State Police Trooper Michael Wood on U.S. 231 at Tennessee Street in Greencastle.
"He was driving erratically," Myers said. "He went off to the right on the road, then he went left of center. When he turned onto 231 from Veteran's Highway, the turn was abrupt."
Myers declined to reveal what Frisbie's exact blood alcohol content was at the time of the arrest.
"We don't release the results of testing," he said. "What I can say is that (Frisbie) was over the legal limit, which is .08 percent."
Frisbie was arrested without incident, Myers said.
Sgt. Tyler Turner of the Putnam County Sheriff's Department said Frisbie posted a $3,000 surety bond and was released from jail at about 5 p.m. Saturday.
"The reports had all been forwarded to the prosecutor," Turner said.
Frisbie is currently on federal probation. He was convicted in November 2008 of federal program theft, and entered the United States Penitentiary satellite camp in Atlanta, Ga. on Feb. 2. He was released from the camp on March 31, and served four months on home detention before beginning his two-year term of probation.
Frisbie could have been sentenced to 10 years and prison and been assessed a $250,000 fine for the federal charge. He pled guilty to that count in August 2008, a week after he resigned as Putnam County Sheriff.
Putnam County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Justin Long said he was unsure how the new charges would affect Frisbie's federal probation.
"That will be up to his federal probation officer," Long said. "In the grand scheme of things, these are pretty minor charges. They may not do anything."
Frisbie will be in Putnam County Circuit Court at 9 a.m. Wednesday for an initial hearing on the new charges.
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