IMPD officer charged with battery on child

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HANCOCK COUNTY – An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer has been charged with a Level 5 Felony count of battery resulting in bodily injury to a person under 14.

Derek Ethridge, 29, 1000 block of King Maple Drive, Greenfield, is accused of spanking a young child, his daughter, too aggressively in April, causing bruising, according to officials court documents.

The incident was reported to officials with the Department of Child Services by a therapist from Indy Counseling Professionals, officials said.

Kasie Ethridge, the child’s mother, then cooperated with officials from DCS when contacted. The mother stated she received a text message from her ex-husband April 18 saying he had spanked one of their daughters and left a small bruise. The mother then received a text message with a picture showing the bruising was much more severe than described, an affidavit said.

The mother provided Child Services the photos, prompting Greenfield Police Department officials to get involved. Derek Ethridge agreed to come in and meet with officials, including someone from DCS.

During the interview, Derek Ethridge admitted to spanking the child three times within an hour, but did not feel he had injured her.

Records do not indicate Derek Ethridge was booked into the Hancock County Jail. He is set to have an initial hearing on the charge Monday, May 6 at 3:30 p.m.