IMPD sergeant charged after bodycam video shows man stomped in face during arrest
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A sergeant with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has been charged after video from a body-worn camera showed him stomp a man in the face during an arrest.
IMPD Sgt. Eric Huxley faces felony charges of official misconduct and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury.
IMPD leadership announced the case in a Tuesday morning press conference after an internal investigation. Huxley has been suspended from IMPD with a recommendation of termination from IMPD Chief Randal Taylor. The recommendation will go to the IMPD Civilian Police Merit Board.
Taylor learned of the incident on Oct. 6 and ordered an internal investigation.
“I’m upset. It hurts me to see any of our officers treat someone the way you’re going to see here shortly,” Taylor said before showing the video. “My apology not only goes out to the men and women of IMPD that do it right but every other law enforcement officer in this state and in this country. Because I know these videos when they’re seen, there’s gonna be people that are going to say ‘that’s what they’re all like.’ Well, let me tell you. That’s not what they’re all like.”
IMPD showed bodycam video from the perspective of multiple officers.
According to court documents, an officer was trying to arrest a “loud and disorderly” homeless man on Monument Circle on Sept. 24. The officer requested backup. Video shows an officer struggling with the man, identified in court documents as Jermaine Vaughn, before Vaughn is placed on his back.
Huxley is then seen walking to the scene and then stomping Vaughn in the face.
“I accidentally kicked him in his face. I was attempting to put my foot on his shoulder and I accidentally kicked him in his face,” Huxley is heard saying on video, according to court documents.
Online court records do not yet list a court appearance date for Huxley.
The two other officers seen in the videos, Sergeant Christopher Kibbey and Officer Matthew Shores, have been placed on administrative duty during the internal investigation.
Huxley has been with IMPD for 14 years. Kibbey has been with the department for 21 years. Showers has been with IMPD for 23 years.
According to online court records, Vaughn was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement the next day.
Mayor Joe Hogsett’s office issued this statement:
“The footage released today by IMPD is deeply troubling, depicting acts that are unacceptable from law enforcement in our city. I commend Chief Taylor’s prompt response, as well as the department’s continued commitment to transparency as they seek appropriate accountability for the officer involved. This incident underscores the importance of continuing to build community trust, and reinforces our resolve to maintain investments in the reforms, training, and technology that ensure accountability to the high standards of conduct expected by Indianapolis residents.”
Mayor Joe Hogsett
Below is the press conference from IMPD. All users can go online to view it on this story.
