IMPD sergeant charged with battery, official misconduct for kicking man’s face during arrest

An Indianapolis police officer has been charged for using excessive force against a man during a September arrest.

The Marion County Prosecutor's Office charged Sgt. Eric Huxley with one felony count of official misconduct and one count of battery resulting in moderate injury, according to a probable cause affidavit filed Tuesday in Marion County Superior Court.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor also announced Tuesday he is recommending that Huxley, a 14-year veteran, be terminated for his actions.

Body-worn camera footage from the incident was played at a press conference. Taylor cautioned that some may find the video disturbing.

“Honestly, I'm here with a bit of a heavy heart, this video that you are going to observe is probably going to make you upset as it did me,” he said.

The footage shows Huxley kick a man, identified as Jermaine Vaughn, in the face while he is being placed under arrest and in handcuffs. Huxley can be heard repeatedly saying, “You’re done” to Vaughn after kicking him. According to court documents, the incident took place on Sept. 24 on Monument Circle, when officers responded to complaints of Vaughn acting disorderly.

“It’s totally uncalled for,” Taylor said of Huxley’s behavior. “My hope is that the community understands that when these things come to our attention, we'll deal with them quickly.”

Officers arrested Vaughn for disorderly conduct. Taylor said no medical attention was deemed necessary for Vaughn at the time.

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Taylor said Huxley has been placed on leave without pay. The incident is still under investigation, including the actions of the two other IMPD officers who were involved in Vaughn’s arrest. No action has been taken against them at this time.

As a sergeant, part of Huxley’s role with IMPD is to review other officer’s uses of force. Taylor said the incidents Huxley reviewed in the past will be looked at.

In a statement, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett commended Taylor’s response to the incident.

“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,” the statement reads in part.

Taylor said Huxley’s actions do not reflect the values of IMPD.

“It's my commitment to this department and to this city that when these things come to my attention, I'm not going to allow that to exist in this department,” he said.

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Contact WFYI criminal justice reporter Katrina Pross at kpross@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @katrina_pross.

Pross is a Corps Member of Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project.