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Martinsville Officer Still On Force After Police Chief Failed To Follow State Statue

Last updated on Monday, May 14, 2018

(MARTINSVILLE) - A Martinsville police officer is still with the department after the police chief fired him without following the proper protocol.

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Officer Brandt Summit was arrested on April 28 after an incident at a Greenwood bar and charged with pointing a loaded firearm at another person, resisting law enforcement, and public intoxication. He was transported to the Johnson County jail where he was later released on bond.

"We will look into this like we look into any incident," said Martinsville Chief of Police Matt Long said at the time of the arrest. "We're cooperating with the other agencies and can appreciate them doing their job. We don't tolerate that type of behavior. Wearing a badge doesn't give someone the right to just go out and do anything."

Chief Long terminated Summit. But on May 10th, Long said Summit is still on the force but is on unpaid administrative leave pending a meeting with the Board of Public Works and Safety.

Indiana statute says before a police officer can be demoted or dismissed, a safety board should offer the officer an opportunity for a hearing, no more than five days after the dismissal notice, which Chief Long was unaware was needed in this case.

The board has not yet heard any proceedings on the discipline of officer Brandt Summit.

No future court dates are listed for Summitt's criminal case.

According to a police report, Summit was at the Barn at Bay Horse Inn for a concert. His friend told police that Summit became very intoxicated and got into an argument. A witness called police around 1:20 a.m.

Summit started walking towards the wooded area. When police arrived, they tried to speak with Summit, but instead, he walked further into the woods.

A K9 officer was called to help search for him; he was later found lying on his back under a bush at the entrance to the Barn at Bay Horse Inn where he was arrested.

While conducting a pat down, a Greenwood officer found Summit had three pocket knives, three handcuff keys, two firearms holsters, a Martinsville Police Department badge and ID card, and a Glock magazine. Under the bush they found a fully loaded Glock 27 firearm, with one round in the chamber.

Police say Summit could not maintain his balance and blew 0.238 percent on a portable breath test.

Summit was brought on as a reserve in 2015, and he has worked full time for the department since 2016.

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