INDIANAPOLIS — Monday, Dec. 4 marked the start of a jury trial for two IMPD officers who were previously indicted for their alleged involvement in an excessive force incident that happened during a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Indianapolis.
On May 31, 2020, IMPD officers Jonathan Horlock and Nathaniel Schauwecker arrested Ivore Westfield and Rachel Harding. Westfield suffered major bruising and open sores during the arrest. Their attorney, Terence Kinnard, filed a civil lawsuit on their behalf.
Attorney John Kautzman, who is representing Horlock and Schauwecker, said his clients were simply following orders to enforce a curfew in the city and that neither of them have prior conduct issues. Kautzman said he plans to argue that Horlock and Schauwecker followed their training during the arrest.
The officers had their initial hearing in August 2020 following the grand jury's indictment.
Horlock faces the following charges:
- Battery resulting in serious bodily injury
- Battery resulting in moderate bodily injury
- Battery resulting in bodily injury
- Perjury, or making a false statement under oath
- Obstruction of justice
- Official misconduct
Schauwecker has been charged with the following:
- Battery by means of a deadly weapon
- Battery resulting in moderate bodily injury
- Two counts of battery resulting in bodily injury
- Two counts of official misconduct