Two officers injured making arrest in Heritage Lake
HERITAGE LAKE -- Two reserve officers for the Putnam County Sheriff's Department were injured early Wednesday morning while responding to a call in Heritage Lake.
Denna De La Cruz, a reserve officer, was airlifted to St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, and is in stable condition, while Barry Barger was admitted to Hendricks Regional Health. He has since been released.
At around 2 a.m. Wednesday De La Cruz responded to a call at a party at 303 Victory Hills, where there were reports of someone suffering from a seizure.
After investigating the scene De La Cruz returned to discover Paul Reed Wittig, 45, Coatesville, attempting to enter her police cruiser.
De La Cruz called for backup.
A struggle ensued, during which Wittig disarmed De La Cruz.
Together she and Barger eventually handcuffed Wittig, but he continued to struggle.
While handcuffed Wittig used his legs to tackle De La Cruz, pinning her to the ground and causing her internal injuries by putting pressure on her chest and stomach.
Barger attempted to pull Wittig off De La Cruz but was deterred by another man, J. Lance Weaver, 44, Coatesville.
More officers arrived on the scene, at which time the two subjects were placed under arrest. They are being held at Putnam County Jail.
Wittig is being charged with battery of a police officer, failure to identify himself to an officer, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, disarming an officer and public intoxication.
Weaver is being charged with criminal recklessness, refusing to aid a police officer, resisting arrest and obstruction of justice.
Tom Helmer, chief deputy at the Sheriff's Department, said investigation is ongoing and it is possible that up to ten more people may still be arrested for charges like obstruction of justice.
"We will not put up with this stuff," Helmer said. "We're going to ask for the maximum."
The seizure victim for whom the original call was made was examined by paramedics at the scene, determined to need no hospitalization and signed a medical release.
There was reportedly a large crowd at the party, though there is no estimate.