Kevin Rader/Eyewitness News
Pittsboro - An Indianapolis Metro Police officer was arrested Thursday after authorities say he pulled a handgun on a woman during a fight inside his squad car. That woman has a message to the officer's wife.
A 911 call in Pittsboro led to an all-night manhunt in Hendricks County. The female victim in this case alleged she was confined in the car of IMPD Sgt. Stephen Blinn, a 24-year veteran on the force.
"Sometime during that he did have a weapon out in his police car. She tried to get out of the vehicle several times but he would not let her. He continued to pull her back in the car," said Lt. Jim Yetter, Hendricks County Sheriff's Department.
When the IMPD cruiser came to a stop it was in front of a Pittsboro home. The victim in this case was finally able to get out of the car and run inside the house. She immediately called 911.
Blinn left his cruiser down the street and departed on foot but the alleged incident occurred in an IMPD squad car and involved a handgun. Police also discovered that Blinn discharged the Glock .40 caliber while driving with his girlfriend in the car.
"There was a brief struggle and the victim was able to get the handgun from him and throw it out the window. We were able to recover that handgun," said Lt. Yetter.
But by the time the officer with the perfect record of 24 years on the force bonded out of the Hendricks County Jail, the damage had already been done.
"He's going through some personal problems that bled into his job last night. I think it brings up the seriousness of domestic violence and we take that very seriously and the allegations an charges he is facing are very seriously and potentially career ending," said IMPD Chief Paul Ciesielski.
"It's a very unfortunate situation. I feel for the officer and his family. I hope that all at the end of the day works out for him and his family and all the people who are around him," said Frank Straub, public safety director.
Blinn will be charged with criminal confinement, a C felony, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, a D felony, a battery, an A misdemeanor. He was released after posting bond Thursday.
IMPD has opened an internal investigation and says it will work with Hendricks County authorities on the case. Blinn is suspended without pay during the investigation.
Blinn's girlfriend, who has not been identified at this time, issued the following statement. She asked not to be contacted by the media:
"I feel for Steve, his wife, and children. What happened last night was not the Steve I know. At this time I want to protect my children and I am asking for privacy. I hope Steve gets the counseling and help he needs."
