INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A former Indianapolis police officer has been charged with rape and other crimes in regards to a sexual assault that happened in January after a domestic violence investigation, says a news release issued Tuesday from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.

The rape happened after Officer Myron Howard and others from Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department had responded to a report of domestic violence Jan. 6. at a home on North Olney Street, the release says. Just after midnight, Howard returned to the home, and the sexual assault happened while he was armed with a gun. Howard was wearing a bodycam, which was turned off during the incident.

In connection to the January incident, the prosecutor charged Howard with felony counts of rape, criminal confinement, and official misconduct.

During the investigation of the January incident, detectives also learned of an incident alleged to have happened Aug. 15 at the end of an investigation where a woman crashed into a utility pole. The crash had happened in the early morning hours at East 31st Street and North Sherman Drive. The release says Howard returned to the scene and offered the woman involved in the crash a ride home in exchange for sex. Again, Howard was on duty during the incident.

In connection to the August incident, Howard was charged with a felony count of official misconduct, and misdemeanor counts of making an unlawful proposition, public indecency, and public nudity.

Howard was an IMPD officer from January 9, 2023, until he was terminated on March 14, 2024.

Howard, 27, was in the Marion County jail on Tuesday afternoon. Online court records showed he’s being held on at a $100,000 surety bond and, if released, would get a GPS device.

Court records do not show an initial hearing scheduled for Howard in Marion Superior Court 31.

Statements

“The allegations set forth in the probable cause affidavit are extremely disturbing and the alleged conduct is a pattern of behavior that is reprehensible. Law enforcement officers take an oath to keep our community safe, not abuse their position of power to harm and take advantage of others. Today marks the first step toward justice for the courageous survivors in this case.”

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears

“Today (4/2/24) we learned of the arrest of a Former Probationary IMPD Officer alleged in a sexual assault. Our collective organization finds the allegations disturbing, disappointing and deeply troubling. We applaud the IMPD and the Chief of Police for moving quickly to investigate and bring forth their findings which resulted in criminal charges and separation from the police department. This is not a lodge matter. We look forward to the completion of the justice process, recognizing that all are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. As such, we remain focused on enforcing the law regardless of who it involves.”

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 86

News release from IMPD

“INDIANAPOLIS — Former Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer has been charged with rape and official misconduct following IMPD Special Investigation Unit investigation. 

“‘The allegations made in the probable cause affidavit are deeply disappointing and disturbing,’ said Chief Chris Bailey. ‘His alleged actions not only violated his sacred oath to our community, but he abused his power and took advantage of a victim when she was most vulnerable. His actions do not represent the brave women and men who serve Indianapolis with integrity every single day. My prayers are with the victim during this difficult time.’

“On January 6, 2024, just after 11:30 p.m., IMPD officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of Olney reference a domestic violence incident, which was still ongoing. IMPD officers investigated the incident, and the alleged suspect was placed under arrest for domestic battery and battery with injury. Shortly after the incident concluded, and after all other officers had left the scene, Probationary Officer Myron Howard allegedly returned to the scene by himself. The victim later reported that Officer Howard engaged in sexual intercourse with her when he returned to the scene, while on-duty.

“On February 5th 2024, an attorney representing the victim contacted IMPD detectives from IMPD’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The attorney informed detectives about the victim’s allegations of sexual assault and facilitated a meeting between his client and SIU detectives.

“On February 29th, 2024, SIU detectives contacted the attorney to get an initial statement regarding the alleged sexual assault.

“On March 1st, 2024, the alleged victim gave a statement to SIU detectives.

“On March 11th 2024, IMPD SIU detectives executed a signed search warrant at Probationary Officer Howard’s residence to look for evidence related to this investigation.

“Based upon the facts of the investigation, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey terminated Probationary Officer Howard’s employment on March 14th 2024. Howard was still under probationary status, which allowed Chief Bailey to immediately terminate his employment without going through the Indianapolis Civilian Police Merit Board.

“On April 1st 2024, IMPD SIU detectives presented the findings of their investigation to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for a charging decision.

“On Tuesday April 2nd, 2024, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges on Myron Howard for rape, official misconduct and various misdemeanors.  Howard was taken into custody the same day.

“Howard was a 1-year-veteran of IMPD and was assigned to North District prior to being terminated.

“Howard, as with any person arrested, should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department