ELKHART — Two city police officers will be charged with Class A misdemeanor criminal battery after being accused of using excessive force against a man in their custody in January.

A video of the incident released by the Elkhart Police Department shows the man — seated and with his hands bound behind his back — being knocked to the floor and punched several times in the face after he spit at one of the officers while being held in detention.

Cpl. Cory Newland and Cpl. Joshua Titus have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case, according to a news release from the Elkhart Police Department.

Reports indicate officers responded on Jan. 12 to multiple calls regarding a domestic battery in progress. When officers arrived, Mario Guerrero Ledesma was arrested for battery on a police officer, public intoxication, disorderly conduct noise and resisting law enforcement.

He was transported to the Elkhart Police Department.

While he was being processed, he spit at Newland, police said, at which time both officers “used force to control the individual.” Upon reviewing the incident, the police administration determined the officers used excessive force.

Results of an internal police investigation were forwarded to the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office on Oct. 26 for review. On Friday, police said, the prosecutor’s office informed the administration that both officers would be charged.

The investigation is ongoing, police spokesman Sgt. Travis Snider said Friday, and no further information was available.

Source: https://www.elkharttruth.com/news/cops-to-be-charged-in-jail-beating/article_ea6fe41c-6b77-542b-973e-eff541fa0951.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share