FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Indiana State Police say that Wednesday, a battery investigation by their officers resulted in a guilty plea by former Fort Wayne Police Officer Charles Smith, 28, Fort Wayne, IN. Smith appeared in Allen Superior Court where he pled guilty to a misdemeanor count of battery.
In March 2018, the Indiana State Police started a criminal investigation into an alleged battery, committed by Smith, on a driving while impaired suspect (DUI). The investigation was requested by the Ft Wayne Police Department and the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation revealed that on March 23, 2018, Smith was conducting a DUI investigation on an adult male. As the investigation progressed, the male was taken to the Allen County Jail for a certified breath test. The male allegedly refused the test, causing Smith to apply for, and be granted, a search warrant to draw the male’s blood. The male then purportedly refused to have his blood drawn. Smith went to place the male in handcuffs when the male pulled away. Smith then punched the male, three times, causing a visible cut and swelling to the man’s forehead.
Smith will not serve any time in jail. He is facing a fine of around $200.
Smith has resigned from the Fort Wayne Police Department.
FWPD Chief Reed released the following statement:
“As Chief of Police, I am very disappointed regarding the incident that
sparked this investigation.
Once we learned of this incident we took immediate steps to launch a
thorough and fair investigation. The Indiana State Police investigated this
matter, at our request, and the Allen County Prosecutor’s office determined
from that investigation charges were appropriate. We have proceeded
swiftly but fairly in this matter. Charles Smith has resigned from our
department.
We recognize the necessity of having a community that is trusting,
engaged, and respectful. We have made great strides and taken many
positive steps to foster this type of relationship with our community. As
Chief, I promise you we will continue to work hard to improve what we
have built.”