Police officer on leave, faces discipline for excessive force
Woman complained of injured arm following arrest.
Huber HUBER HEIGHTS — Heights police are investigating one of their own: an officer has been placed on administrative leave after an investigation found excessive force during a December arrest.
Police Chief Mark Lightner confirmed that the unnamed officer was placed on leave while the department opened an investigation when a woman complained of arm pain after a Dec. 20 arrest.
“The facts of the incident revealed the treatment of the arrestee was not in compliance with division policies, and the amount of force used in the incident was more than reasonably necessary for the circumstances,” Lightner said in a release.
The incident began with two Huber Heights police officers assisting a motorist in the 4300 block of Taylorsville Road. Officers, in two marked Huber Heights police cruisers, had their overhead lights activated while helping the stranded motorist, police said.
“While on the scene, a driver approached from the opposite direction, crossed over the centerline and struck an officer in his leg,” Lightner said in the release. “The driver failed to stop and nearly struck the second officer as they left the scene.”
Police pursued the vehicle until it came to a stop in the 4500 block of Taylorsville Road where the driver, identified only as a woman, was taken into custody. Police noted the driver appeared intoxicated, had difficulty speaking and standing, and was taken to police headquarters for processing, Lightner said.
The woman complained of an arm injury and was taken to a medical facility for evaluation. Police said because of the injury, a shift supervisor began a review of the incident.
An internal investigation was launched and later found the officer was in violation of the department’s rules for courtesy, treatment of persons in custody, and use of force, Lightner said.
The officer was placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the required disciplinary process. The officer will face discipline following due process, Lightner said.
“The city and Police Division maintain strict policies to ensure citizens are treated fairly and professionally,” Lightner said. “Any time these policies are violated, an established and competent process is followed to make sure the facts are determined, and employees are held accountable to the highest level. This incident will be no exception.”
There was no timeline indicated regarding how long the investigation will take. Contact this reporter at 937225-0586 or email Wayne. Baker@coxinc.com.