COLUMBUS, Ind. – A Columbus Police Department (CPD) officer was arrested Tuesday on felony battery and official misconduct charges after an investigation by Indiana State Police (ISP) detectives.
CPD contacted the ISP on June 17, 2020, and requested an inquiry into a supposed incident the previous day that involved officer John Velten, a 14-year veteran of the force.
The ISP investigation determined that on June 16, 2020, Velten arrested an adult male after responding to a fight on Indiana Avenue in Columbus. While handcuffed in the back seat of the police vehicle, the suspect began hitting his head against the interior of the police car. As a response, Velten allegedly used his fist to strike the still handcuffed suspect while he was inside the vehicle.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the case was presented to a special prosecutor for review. As a result, charges of battery resulting in moderate injury and official misconduct were filed against Velten. He was arrested Tuesday when he turned himself in at Bartholomew County Jail.
Columbus Chief of Police Michael Richardson will recommend to the Board of Public Works and Safety that officer Velten be suspended without pay.
