IMPD officer charged with aggressively spanking child

GREENFIELD, Ind. (Daily Reporter/WISH) – An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer has been charged with a felony count of battery to a child younger than 14, the Daily Reporter reported.

Derek Ethridge, 29, of Greenfield, was accused of spanking the child too aggressively in April, causing bruising, according to officials court documents. 

IMPD put Ethridge on administrative leave, a spokesperson said.

The incident was reported to officials with the Department of Child Services, said the Daily Reporter, a News 8 news partner.

Records do not indicate Derek Ethridge was booked into the Hancock County Jail. He was set to have an initial hearing on the charge at 3:30 p.m. Monday. 

IMPD said it was made aware of the investigation involving another agency and has been cooperating with that agency. IMPD also will conduct an internal investigation, the spokesperson said.