INDIANAPOLIS – Two officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department face battery and obstruction of justice charges after an incident during the protests in Indianapolis in late May.
The incident involves two women, Ivore Westfield and Rachel Harding, who have since filed a lawsuit against four IMPD officers.
Video of the arrest of one of the women went viral after the incident. The video shows IMPD officers repressing a woman with batons and pepper bullets. In the video, another woman is also seen being pushed to the ground by officers before she was apprehended.
The incident happened May 31 at the corner of Washington Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
A grand jury found enough for indictment on two of the four officers.
IMPD Chief Randal Taylor released the following statement:
“I hold great respect for our criminal justice system and have faith that this process will deliver a just outcome. These officers will remain on administrative duty with no police authority. While our internal investigation will continue, it is my intention to address our administrative review of the officer conduct at the conclusion of the ongoing criminal prosecution.”
The law firm that represents Westfield and Harding, Kinnard & Scott, released the following statement:
"We are very pleased with the effort, resolve and diligence shown by Ryan Mears the Prosecutor here in Marion County. He and his Staff responded to this matter with the utmost respect and regard, not only for Ms. Westfield and Ms. Harding, but also OUR community. We also thank the Grand Jury for their time, attention and diligence, especially in light of the current environment of a worldwide pandemic."
Officer Jonathan Horlock faces the following charges:
Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury
Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury
Perjury
Obstruction of Justice
Official Misconduct
Officer Nathaniel Schauwecker faces the following charges:
Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon
Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury
Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury
Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury
Official Misconduct
Official Misconduct
