A federal grand jury has indicted Sgt. Eric Huxley, a 15-year veteran of the Indianapolis Police, for violating the civil rights of a handcuffed homeless man. Shocking bodycam footage captured Huxley stomping on the man’s face while he was lying on the ground. The incident occurred on September 24, 2021.
Sgt. Huxley, who is white, is facing one count of deprivation of rights under color of law with the use of a dangerous weapon, resulting in bodily injury. The victim, a black man named Jermaine Vaughn, was being arrested for disorderly conduct when Huxley and two other officers, Sgt. Christopher Kibbey and Officer Matthew Shores forced him to the ground during a heated argument, WTHR reported.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Vaughn was on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back when Sgt. Huxley approached him, lifted his left leg, and forcefully stomped on his face. Blood became visible in Vaughn’s mouth within seconds of the incident. The bodycam video also captured Huxley yelling at Vaughn, declaring that he was done after the violent act.
The federal grand jury indictment alleges that Huxley’s use of his foot to strike the man was unjustified and violated his rights. As a result, Huxley has been suspended without pay and faces termination, in addition to local felony charges of battery and official misconduct, Fox 59 reported.
The city, police department, and Police Chief Randal Taylor are facing a separate federal lawsuit filed by the two officers who reported Huxley. They claim to have faced retaliation from the department, including being accused of failing to make a timely report and being placed on administrative leave. They further allege that they were forced to exchange their patrol cars for older models deemed unsafe.
Police Chief Randal Taylor condemned the incident, stating that it was unnecessary and should never have occurred. He emphasized that such behavior undermines community trust and expressed confidence in the judicial system to bring justice to the victim and his family.
