Police investigate four of their own

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WISH) - Four Indianapolis Metro Police Department officers are on desk duty following a teenager claims they beat him.

According to a police report, several officers were called to an east side neighborhood after a witness reported seeing Brandon Johnson's 14 year-old brother "kick the door in" on a vacant home.  The report said when police questioned the boy, they said Johnson came outside from his home nearby, became belligerent and started what officers called a "riotous situation."

Officers David Carney, Oliver Cloutheir, Stacy Lettinga and Joshua Shaughnessy are on desk duty after Johnson claims the officers attacked him, even beating him while he was on the ground.  An IMPD internal investigation is underway.

Johnson pictured here claims he was beaten last Sunday.  On Tuesday, Johnson talked with 24 Hour News 8's Rick Dawson about the attack.

"I went outside to see what happened with my brother and then the police officer said I was being a smart and then I turned around and then I looked back and one of them hit me and I fell to the ground and I looked up and he punched me two more times," said Johnson.

His family took a number of pictures to document his injuries.

Johnson's lawyer Stephen Wagner spoke with 24 Hour News 8.

"This report was simply an attempt to cover up a racially motivated beating," Wagner said.
 

24 Hour News 8 contacted Metro Police to get a response, we were told the Chief has ordered a complete and thorough investigation regarding the case.

"You combine the injuries he suffered, how minor the alleged criminal offense is, and the racial statements from the officers, and you have a hate crime, that's what it is," Wagner said