CORRECTION: A previous version of this story contained an incorrect statement from IMPD Chief Randal Taylor. It has been updated and the statement in the story below can be correctly attributed to Taylor.
INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD officers Johnathan Horlock and Nathaniel Schauwecker were indicted Wednesday by a Marion County grand jury after an investigation into a use-of-force incident that occurred during downtown Indianapolis protests on May 31.
Horlock has been indicted on charges including felony battery, felony perjury, felony obstruction of justice and felony official misconduct.
Schauwecker has been indicted on charges including felony battery and two counts of felony official misconduct.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears held a press conference to announce the indictments and thanked the members of the grand jury as well as Marion County residents Ivoré Westfield and Rachel Harding, who filed a lawsuit against four members of IMPD following their violent arrest.
IMPD Chief Randal Taylor issued a statement following the announcement:
“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 announcement comes after The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) released the names of the officers that were involved in the May 31 incident.
Sergeant David Kinsey (20-year veteran), Officer Conrad Simpson (18-year veteran), Officer Johnathan Horlock (5-year veteran) and Officer Nathanial Schauwecker (8-year veteran) were named by IMPD Chief Randal Taylor on August 7.
The arrests were captured on video by a FOX59 photographer after the curfew went into effect on May 31.
The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police issued the following statement after Wednesday’s indictments:
“Our collective membership learned of the charges announced by the Marion County Prosecutor.
We recognize the Grand Jury process and the role of the Prosecutor in selecting what evidence is presented to them for review.
We look forward to a full, fair and public airing of all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the events in question.
While officers prefer to avoid any use of force, we fully recognize the requirement to safely and swiftly effectuate the lawful arrest of individuals when called upon to do so, especially during tense and rapidly evolving events.
Therefore, we welcome a robust review of these allegations and have confidence in the process.
In the meantime, we appreciate the continued support of residents for our city’s law enforcement officers as they continue to faithfully serve during these challenging and uncertain times.”
